One of New Zealand’s top motorsport drivers Brendon Hartley made a rare visit home and reflected on his incredible year.
Brendon Hartley says he’ll start next season’s Formula One campaign in the perfect situation, with four races under his belt.
The 28-year-old driver is back in New Zealand for Christmas and spent Thursday at the Hampton Downs race track reflecting on a stunning 2017, firstly with Porsche and then cracking Formula One.
Hartley drove in Formula One at the back end of this year’s season and although his best result was a 13th place finish at the US Grand Prix, that didn’t give a true indication of his talent.
“Having four races under my belt is an ideal situation to take on my first full season of Formula One with,” Hartley said.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity than how it’s come about.
“Obviously, I was plagued with engine penalties in every race I did, which was frustrating and everyone asks me about it.
“But honestly, having those four races was huge for me, to hit the ground running next year in Melbourne.”
The Toro Rosso car struggled with engine reliability this year, but the team are switching from Renault to Honda engines next year and Hartley believes the signs are good for a strong year.
“I was there last week making a seat and I met some of the 450 staff at Toro Rosso, who are involved on getting these two cars on the race track and there is a lot of optimism for next year.
“With Honda being on board and the sole supplied team by a manufacturer, I’m really optimistic.
“I’ve set myself some personal targets, it’s hard to put a number on goals for next year, because it’s not just me, there’s a full team of people around me too, but I’ve got some personal goals and I myself will know if I’ve met them or not.”
This year wasn’t just about Formula One for Palmerston North’s Hartley. He also won the Le Mans 24 hour race with compatriot Earl Bamber and Timo Bernhard from Germany.
They then went on to win the World Endurance Championship in the Porsche 2.0 L Turbo V4.
So which of these three big achievements in 2017 meant the most to Hartley? He goes with the Le Mans win.
“That was special, we won the world championship in 2015, which was huge,” he said.
“But I have to say, standing on that top step (at Le Mans) is one of the most emotional moments in my career to date
“It’s the biggest thing I’ve done, that topped the Formula One debut.
“You know how many people have worked towards that one goal, the 250 staff at Porsche, the Porsche fans. You stand under that sea of people on the podium and it’s special.
“I think also because during the week, you try and take yourself away from race, you try to convince yourself that there is not that much pressure, it’s not that big a deal and finally when you when it, you realise that it is.
“Finally when it’s finished, your overcome with emotions and all the people around you are tired, so it was a very similar very special in my career.”
Source :Stuff.co.nz
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