As he faces the possible end of his brief Formula 1 career, Brendon Hartley has been more vocal as he feels the need to “defend” himself.

The New Zealander reportedly has two grands prix remaining in his Formula 1 career after which he will be replaced at Toro Rosso by Formula 2 racer Alex Albon.

According to reports Hartley was informed of his axing at the Mexican Grand Prix, however, it is not known whether that was before or after he hit out at Toro Rosso’s claims that Pierre Gasly had driven a damaged car at the previous race in Austin.