“Brendon Hartley has to Improve”- Franz Tost

Franz Tost spoke to the media ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. Despite ending up on the sixth position in the second practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix, Tost was critical of Brendon Hartley and said that he had to improve on his numbers if he was to pose any kind of serious threat to their rivals.

“He showed a good race in Austin,” said Franz Tost in his interview. “But nevertheless if you look at the results he has four points and Pierre {Gasly} has 28.That means he has to improve his performance if he wants to stay”, he added.

Meanwhile the team has announced the inclusion of the Russian driver, Daniil Kvyat for the next year when they part ways with Frenchman Gasly, who will be heading to the Red Bull camp. He will partner up with US Grand Prix Podium finisher Max Versttapen.

Franz Tost also confirmed their interests in the 22-year-old Alexander Albon, who has signed a deal to race in the all-electric Formula E series with Nissan. However he did not take part in recent pre-season testing in Spain. Tost said that they were in negotiations with Nissan for the driver’s release, however did not reveal anything else and said that the matter was a little confidential.

Austrian Marko, who is the head of the Red Bull’s driver development program, said that they were looking at a few changes next season. “For 2019 there is no shortlist, but a long list. There are 10 names on there, one with a contract at Mercedes, which is why it probably won’t be him”, he said. “But everything is possible”, he added.

Meanwhile, the pressure mounts on Hartley as he is forced to improve his numbers as they head into the final three races of the season. At the US Grand Prix, Hartley spun off, and did not complete the race. That was his fourth retirement in the season. His run of finishes have been: 15, 17, 20, 10, 12, 19, 14, 10, 11, 14.