Brendon Hartley is no longer under the immediate threat of being dropped at Toro Rosso, according to the head of Red Bull's young driver program Helmut Marko.

The New Zealander has faced questions at the last two races about his future, with names like Pascal Wehrlein, Robert Kubica and Lando Norris all linked to his seat at some point.

All along the former WEC champion has defended his position, claiming he has a contract for the full season, and now it appears his pace in Canada, prior to his Lap 1 crash with Lance Stroll, has earned him a reprieve.

“If the trajectory had not improved, then we would have had to look somewhere for an alternative,” Marko was quoted by PlanetF1 as telling German media.

“But that’s not the case and Brendon is now competitive.”

And Hartley insists he will only continue to get better as he gains more F1 experience.

“It is a bit annoying but that is part of the business and I felt good about how I handled the whole situation," he said ahead of this weekend's French GP.

“I feel like every weekend I’m getting stronger and stronger. I’m an old fella in some ways but I’m a rookie to F1 and as the weekends go by I’m understanding more, what it takes to get the best out of these Pirelli tyres, and what I’m looking for in terms of balance and set-up.

“I feel motivated and very eager to get to Paul Ricard where I’ll work hard to make my own luck.”