Hartley reflects on poor Japanese GP as F1 career looks to be ending

Brendon Hartley was in desperate need of a strong performance during the Japanese Grand Prix however he was left to rue what could have been after a poor getaway from the grid left him with too much to do during the race.

Speaking after the race, Hartley admitted that his poor start meant that he ended up cooking his tyres fighting for position after wheelspin at the start. which in turn ruined his pace hopes of a strong finish in the race.

"It was a disappointing day for everyone at Toro Rosso," he said. "We had two cars starting sixth and seventh, and we both finished outside of the points.

Hartley had been set the target of beating teammate Pierre Gasly if he wanted to retain his seat at Toro Rosso for 2019 however his days at the team look to be numbered after yet another disappointing finish behind the Frenchman.