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Hartley not ruling out future F1 return

Hartley not ruling out future F1 return

07-12-2018 13:19

Brendon Hartley only lasted one full season in F1, and while the New Zealander was unlucky during his stay at Toro Rosso, but his measly tally of just four points, compared to Pierre Gasly’s 29, was not enough to see him earn a second season.

His replacement, Alexander Albon is seven years younger and has a better long term potential to be successful in the sport than Hartley.

Hartley has now revealed that he has not yet sorted any plans for racing in 2019.

He told New Zealand’s Radio Sport that a return to WEC could be on the cards, where he won two world championships and the 2017 Le Mans race.

He said: "I've maintained a relationship with Porsche through all of this, I was with them for four years through the two world championships and Le Mans. My phone has been glued to my ear over the last week, a lot of emails.

"Not the perfect time of year to be sorting out a drive, coming into December but I've got a good reputation and just trying to figure out what the right steps are and also what's going to keep me happy.

"You will definitely see me doing something next year, but it won't be Formula 1."

However, he has not ruled out ever returning to Formula One in the future, adding: "I would never say it's closed. 10 years ago when that door was effectively shut, I've proven that it's possible to open it again.

"I'm now in a position where I have a Super license, I have hands-on Formula 1 experience, I definitely didn't disgrace myself and I definitely wouldn't say that door is closed."