Brendon Hartley believes the hectic schedule he had with eight races in eight weekends until the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a “perfect introduction” to life in Formula 1.
The Kiwi was a surprise choice to replace Carlos Sainz after the Spaniard joined Renault from the United States Grand Prix but his race performances at Toro Rosso impressed the Red Bull hierarchy and earned him a full-time seat alongside Pierre Gasly for 2018.
While competing in the final four races, Hartley combined that with outings at the Petit Le Mans in America and the final three rounds of the World Endurance Championship, in which he became world champion with Porsche for the second time.
Once that run of races came to an end, however, the 28-year-old admits it was a good experience ahead of the stresses of what will be the joint-longest F1 season in history in 2018.
“The learning process was steep and very important. It was tough, I’m not going to lie, especially with eight weekends on the trot,” Hartley said collecting his WEC trophy at the FIA prize-giving gala last Friday.
“That was a good experience for me, to learn what that takes out of you and what areas you need to improve. It was the perfect introduction into F1 in terms of preparing a season, having some real racing experience to start next year.”
Now, finally with his big chance in F1, after a failed attempt with the Red Bull program earlier in his career, Hartley faces the prospect of a Toro Rosso team that will be using Honda engines next year.
Despite all the problems the Japanese manufacturer have had with McLaren, he insists he remains positive about the prospect based on the progress made and future potential.
“I’m looking forward to having a bit of a break, recharging the batteries, and coming back strong next year,” he began. “I’m hearing a lot of positive things out of Toro Rosso and out of Honda and I can’t wait to work alongside them next year, and hopefully prove my worth in F1.”