Brendon Hartley and the STR13: Toro Rosso's F1 Evolution on Display

At GVI, we’re proud to house a piece of modern Formula 1 history: the STR13 — Toro Rosso’s 2018 race car piloted by Brendon Hartley, one of New Zealand’s Formula One heros. Here’s the story behind this fascinating machine and the Kiwi racer who brought it to life on track.

From WEC Champion to F1: Brendon Hartley’s Road to the Grid

Brendon Hartley made waves in the endurance racing world before stepping into F1. A multiple-time FIA World Endurance Champion and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner with Porsche, Hartley earned his shot at the Formula 1 grid in 2017, debuting with Scuderia Toro Rosso at the U.S. Grand Prix.

In 2018, he became a full-time driver, contesting all 21 races in a season of transition for both Hartley and the team.

The STR13: Honda Power Meets Toro Rosso Innovation

The STR13 was more than just a race car — it represented a bold new chapter for Toro Rosso as they switched from Renault to Honda power. Designed by James Key,  It featured enhanced suspension geometry, a split-turbo packaging layout, and aerodynamic tweaks including a halo winglet for improved airflow.

The STR13 marked a leap in aerodynamic refinement for Toro Rosso. Key features included:

• Complex front wing geometry designed to channel airflow around the front tires and maximize front-end grip.

• Intricate bargeboards and sidepod deflectors that helped manage turbulent air and direct clean airflow to the rear.

• A narrower, high-mounted nose and under-nose turning vanes to reduce drag and improve air passage beneath the car.

• The rear wing featured an efficient DRS (Drag Reduction System) mechanism to minimize drag on straights and enhance overtaking.

• Halo fairing elements, introduced for 2018, were cleverly sculpted to limit disruption to airflow over the cockpit area.
  
  

While it didn’t achieve podiums, the STR13 showcased the potential of the Honda-Toro Rosso partnership, which would later blossom at Red Bull Racing.

Hartley’s F1 Highlights

Despite being a rookie in the ultra-competitive world of F1, Hartley managed to:

• Score 4 points in the 2018 season

• Achieve a best finish of 9th at the United States Grand Prix

• Lay the foundation for future Honda engine success

Though his F1 stint was brief, it bridged the worlds of endurance excellence and grand prix racing — a testament to his adaptability and technical feedback.

See the STR13 Up Close

You can now experience Hartley’s STR13 right here at GVI until it moves on to its next home. Marvel at the engineering detail, aerodynamic complexity, and the sleek race-ready stance of this full-blooded Formula 1 machine.

It’s not just a car — it’s a story of innovation, transition, and the relentless pursuit of speed.

Brendon Hartley’s Formula 1 chapter with Toro Rosso and the STR13 may have been brief but it captured a pivotal moment for the team: their first season with Honda engines and a step toward deeper engineering evolution.

While Hartley went on to carve greatness in endurance racing, his F1 stint remains a fascinating footnote: the Kiwi who bridged two worlds on the pinnacles of motorsport and we’re thrilled to be custodians of this chapter of motorsport history.