Hartley says F1 exit rumours started at Monaco

Hartley says F1 exit rumours started at Monaco
31 January 2019 by    1 min read
 4

Brendon Hartley says it was clear as far back as last year's Monaco grand prix that Red Bull would oust him.

The New Zealander was a surprise draft into the junior team Toro Rosso's lineup following the ousting in late 2017 of Daniil Kvyat.

But Kvyat is back for 2019, and the Russian's teammate will be rookie Alexander Albon.

Hartley's departure wasn't announced until the season finale in Abu Dhabi, but the 29-year-old said he started to hear rumours around the time of May's Monaco GP.

"When I look back now, what I will remember most is walking down to the paddock to meet with the media on the Wednesday and receiving a bunch of questions about my future," he told media platform The Players' Tribune.

"Here I am, a handful of races into my F1 career, and I'm being asked about the end."

Hartley said he soon discovered there was "some truth" to the rumours, which ultimately led to him losing his seat for 2019.

"After a few races, there were some people, it appeared, who didn't want me there," he said. "I'll be honest, this was a bit of a shock.

"That's life in F1, though. The sport has so much money and so many people involved, it's only natural that there are politics."

The Le Mans winner and WEC champion admits he will "miss" F1 this year, but he also said he is "excited" about his next steps.

"As I write this I am working to put all the pieces into place for 2019 and beyond. I'm fortunate to have a few options in front of me, but I need make sure it's a fit," Hartley added.

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4 F1 Fan comments on “Hartley says F1 exit rumours started at Monaco”

  1. Simon Saivil

    "...."That's life in F1, though. The sport has so much money and so many people involved, it's only natural that there are politics."...."

    Hard to argue against this, but, then again, one could make a case that many F1 successes (appointments) are political. Lance Strohl seems to be everybody's favourite whipping boy for having connections but no talent.

  2. Robert

    Lance Strohl is not fast enough, but then neither is Bottas who is a good forth to Hamilton's first, Bottas is not even fast enough to watch hamilton's back so it must be politics which keep his seat


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