After making their F1 debuts with Toro Rosso this year in Malaysia and the United States respectively, Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley will continue to race for the team next season.

Next weekend’s 2017 finale in Abu Dhabi will be only Gasly’s fifth Formula 1 weekend and Hartley’s fourth, the Frenchman and the New Zealander having recently joined Toro Rosso’s line-up in place of the Renault-bound Carlos Sainz and the departing Daniil Kvyat.

“We’re really happy to have Pierre and Brendon confirmed so early by Red Bull as our drivers for 2018”, commented team principal Franz Tost. “During this last part of the year they’ve shown that they’re ready for Formula 1, getting to grips with the car quickly, showing good performances and always demonstrating to be prepared for the challenge.

“We have been truly impressed by their steep learning curves. As we know, F1 is something that not all drivers can adapt to this fast! Therefore, we’re looking forward to having a full year with them; one where we can hopefully provide them with a good package which, combined with driver consistency, can surely put them in the best possible situation to deliver. I’m sure they will keep pushing hard and fight for strong results, together with the team.”