Toro Rosso don't expect 2019 driver decision until December

Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost is not expecting a decision over the team's drivers line-up until December.

The Red Bull sister team announced Daniil Kyvat would be replacing Pierre Gasly last month, with the latter being signed to replace Daniel Ricciardo by Red Bull.

Brendon Hartley has had a poor season for Toro Rosso, and the pressure is ever-increasing on the Kiwi driver and it looks almost certain that he'll be replaced for the 2019 season.

Hartley's boss has said that he needs to see a much improved performance from the driver in the remaining races for a seat next season at Toro Rosso.

"He showed a good race in Austin," Tost told Crash. "But nevertheless, if you look at the results, he has four points, Pierre has 28 points. That means he has to improve his performance if he wants to stay in the team."

The Toro Rosso boss was then asked whether there was a deadline to the team's decision over the seat: "First of all, you have to finish the season to get a clear picture. Then I assume in December, Red Bull will decide the driver line-up of Toro Rosso."

Hartley managed a 1:19.024 in the first free practice session in Mexico City earlier on today - with the ninth quickest time.