Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Brendon Hartley, born on 10 November 1989 in Palmerston North, New Zealand, was immersed in motorsport from a young age, influenced by his father Brian, a former racer. He began his racing career in karting at the age of six, following his brother Nelson’s footsteps. By the age of 12, Hartley was competing in full-scale race championships, starting with the Formula First category and finishing seventh in his debut season. His early success continued with a victory in the New Zealand Formula Ford Festival in 2003, leading to a drive in the Formula Ford championship the following year. Hartley’s European journey began after a season in Formula Toyota New Zealand, where he competed in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup, showcasing his potential with a podium finish at Anderstorp.
Major Successes and Highlights
Brendon Hartley’s racing career is marked by significant achievements across various series. In 2007, he clinched the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 championship, demonstrating his growing prowess. His Formula Three debut in the same year at the Masters of Formula 3 event saw him finish fourth, leading to a test with A1 Team New Zealand. Hartley’s performance in the British Formula 3 Championship for Carlin Motorsport in 2008 was remarkable, securing five wins and finishing third overall. His Formula One journey began with Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso as a test and reserve driver, eventually making his F1 race debut at the 2017 United States Grand Prix with Toro Rosso. However, his most notable success came in the FIA World Endurance Championship, winning the title in 2015, 2017, and the 2022-2023 seasons, along with multiple victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Life and Legacy After Racing or Present Circumstances
As of the present, Brendon Hartley continues to compete at the highest levels of motorsport. He is currently racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota Gazoo Racing, where he has achieved considerable success. Beyond the track, Hartley resides in Monaco and also maintains a holiday home in New Zealand. He married Sarah Wilson in January 2018, after a long-term relationship. Hartley’s legacy in motorsport is not just defined by his victories and championships but also by his resilience and adaptability across different racing disciplines, from single-seaters to endurance racing.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Scuderia Toro Rosso | Toro Rosso STR12 | Renault | 23rd | 0 |
| 2018 | Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda | Toro Rosso STR13 | Honda | 19th | 4 |