Hartley frustrated to end strong Canada weekend with crash

Brendon Hartley admitted he felt frustrated to end a strong Canadian Grand Prix weekend with a crash on the opening lap of the race that left the Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver requiring a visit to hospital.

Hartley managed to qualify 12th for Toro Rosso after impressing with the newly-updated Honda power unit, only to get caught up in a first lap collision with Williams’ Lance Stroll at Turn 5.

Hartley tried passing around the outside of the corner, only for Stroll to get a snap of oversteer and lose control of his car, pushing his rival into the wall.

The Toro Rosso car tipped sideways on the barrier at one stage before eventually coming to rest, with Hartley visiting hospital for some precautionary checks, later being given the all clear.

“I’m really disappointed for Toro Rosso and Honda, because we’ve been quite strong all weekend with a good update from the power unit. I think we definitely had the pace to challenge for points today,” Hartley said after the race.

“I had a good start, similar to the drivers around me, but I got left a bit on the outside of Turn 2 which lost me a position. I got a good run on Lance out of Turn 4 on the outside, but he lost the car which put us both into the wall.

“It’s very disappointing as there was room to make the overtake, and I was looking forward to a strong race. It’s a frustrating way to end the Canadian Grand Prix as I’ve been really happy with my performance all weekend.

“I was delayed getting back to the circuit because I was flown to the hospital for precautionary checks. However, I’m definitely fit, healthy, and ready for the next race.”

The crash was the latest setback for the under-pressure Hartley, who has scored just one point so far this season for Toro Rosso, putting his seat at risk.

The team is understood to have approached McLaren regarding Lando Norris’ availability this year as a potential replacement for Hartley. However, their request was rejected by the British team.