New Zealander Brendon Hartley will continue to race for them next season, the Toro Rosso Formula One team has confirmed.
Brendon HARTLEY, NZL, Team Scuderia Toro Rosso Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hartley becomes New Zealand's first full time Formula One driver since Chris Amon in 1976.
The team ended the year with Hartley and PierreGasly as its drivers after starting the season with Carlos Sainz and Daniil Kvyat, with the Spaniard switching to Renault early and the Russian being dropped. Gasly is also confirmed as driver for 2018.
While Gasly was the latest driver to emerge from Red Bull's junior programme, World Endurance champion Hartley has enjoyed a reunion with the energy drinks firm's F1 programme after being dropped from its ladder system in 2010.
"We're really happy to have Pierre and Brendon confirmed so early by Red Bull as our drivers for 2018", team principal Franz Tost said.
"During this last part of the year they've shown that they're ready for Formula 1, getting to grips with the car quickly, showing good performances and always demonstrating to be prepared for the challenge.
"As we know, F1 is something that not all drivers can adapt to this fast.
"Therefore, we're looking forward to having a full year with them; one where we can hopefully provide them with a good package which, combined with driver consistency, can surely put them in the best possible situation to deliver."
Hartley, who appeared on course to switch to IndyCar following Porsche's withdrawal from the LMP1 category of the WEC, added: "It's very satisfying to have converted an opportunity that came as a surprise into a 2018 F1 drive. I couldn't be happier.
"I'd like to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for believing in me and giving me this second chance - dreams can come true.
"I'm now going to carry on working harder than ever in order to finish this busy end of season on a high and start the new year as strong as possible... Bring it!"
Neither driver has scored points yet for Toro Rosso, with Gasly's 12th place in Brazil last weekend the best finish achieved so far.
Hartley is in Bahrain for the final round of the World Endurance Championship this weekend, with the final round of the Formula One season in Abu Dhabi next weeknd.
- RNZ / Reuters
