Hartley annoyed over questions on his future

Brendon Hartley

(GMM) Brendon Hartley says the uncertainty about his place at Toro Rosso for 2019 is getting "annoying."

It is believed team owner Red Bull will replace the New Zealander with rookie Alexander Albon.

"We have not yet made a decision," Dr. Helmut Marko told motorsport-magazin.com. "Important decisions take time."

Hartley has generally underperformed in 2018 but says he has upped his game more recently.

"I'm happy with my races, but it's getting more and more annoying to answer questions about my future every week," he is quoted as saying by Speed Week. "I read that I have to beat my teammate to prove myself, but I was ahead of Pierre (Gasly) in Singapore before the team order and ahead of him again in Russia before my car broke down.

"I was also faster in qualifying in Suzuka, and also here in Austin I was ahead. Let's see what happens."

It's worth noting that he was signed to a Chip Ganassi Racing IndyCar deal before he opted to join Toro Rosso. But even that seat has been taken for next year by Felix Rosenqvist, leaving Hartley without many options.