New Zealand motor racing legend Kenny Smith is certain Brendon Hartley will take up an offer to drive for a Formula One team in the United States.
According to multiple reports, the 27-year-old will race for the Toro Rosso Formula One team in the United States next weekend with a possibility of racing with the team on a permanent basis in 2018.
If Hartley does race, he will become New Zealand's first Formula One driver since Mike Thackwell in 1984.
Before all that, Hartley will be looking to wrap up FIA World Endurance Championship title this weekend in Japan this weekend.
He has also been linked to IndyCars, where he would drive alongside Scott Dixon at Chip Ganassi Racing.
But mentor Kenny Smith reckons Hartley will be aiming for the top and will want to chase his childhood dream of racing in the Formula One.
"That's exciting. That is something - being associated with Brendon from when he was a little kid and seeing the talent he had when you see them get right to the top - and he is well worthy of being there," he told Newshub.
"He'd have to go to Formula One because that has been his main aim from his early days, and what he has been aiming for.
"There is always time to go back to IndyCars because he is still young."
Smith said he noticed Hartley's potential for success when he was very young.
"Brendon didn't like anybody ahead of him. In the early days walking down the road, he had to have a stride ahead of you," Smith said.
"He is one of those who is so competitive in everything he did, he wanted to be a winner - and that is what has given him the drive to keep on going.
"I could see that when he was 12 years old driving Formula Vees, driving off the track and doing all sorts of crazy things, he tried so hard - and Brendon never gave in.
"He was always looking to go quicker and look what he has got now. It is a dream come true for a Kiwi to do what he is doing.
"He is a wonderful kid and It has been so good to associated with him over the years."
Hartley was previously Red Bull's official reserve driver in 2009 and 2010 - and also took part in a young driver test at Magny-Cours for Mercedes in 2012, as well as spending time in the team's simulator.
Newshub.
