Brendon Hartley will partner Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso for the United States Grand Prix, replacing Pierre Gasly in a one-off appearance.
With both Gasly and Carlos Sainz unavailable for the upcoming US Grand Prix, Toro Rosso will field a changed driver line-up in Austin.
During the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, it was announced that Carlos Sainz would join Renault early by contesting the final four races of the season. It was initially announced that Toro Rosso would use both Gasly and Daniil Kvyat in Austin.
However, Gasly – who had replaced the ‘rested’ Daniil Kvyat from the Malaysian Grand Prix onward – became unavailable in order to challenge for the Super Formula Championship in Japan.
With no drivers immediately available in their young driver programme, Toro Rosso have called on former junior driver Brendon Hartley to compete in the US.
Since last testing for the team in 2009, Hartley has won the World Endurance Championship with Porsche in 2015 and became this year’s winner of the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
“What an amazing feeling! This opportunity came as somewhat of a surprise, but I never did give up on my ambition and childhood dream to reach F1,” said Hartley.
“I have grown and learnt so much since the days when I was the Red Bull and Toro Rosso reserve driver, and the tough years I went through made me stronger and even more determined.
“I want to say a huge thanks to Red Bull for making this a reality, and to Porsche for allowing me to do this alongside the World Endurance Championship.
“COTA is a track I really enjoy and one I have raced at recently. I’m trying not to put too many expectations on my F1 debut, but I feel ready for it.”
Hartley tested for Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso and Mercedes during his time in the various feeder series.
