In a week that has seen McLaren tell Toro Rosso that its test and reserve driver Lando Norris is not available, it is understandable that the question was put to the man the Faenza is understood to be seeking to replace.

Aware that he was cruelly dropped from the entire Red Bull programme in mid-2010, the Brendon Hartley is only too aware of how harsh the sport, and particularly the Austrian company, can be.

However, when asked about the speculation surrounding his seat, the two-time WEC champion and Le Mans winner brushed off the speculation, insisting that it would be silly of him to comment.

"It's the second grand prix in a row I've been responding to rumours," he told reporters. "But it's not really interesting for me to comment.

"I know what my contract says," he continued. "I'm very confident in the work I've been doing behind the scenes with Toro Rosso to develop the car.

"Things didn't really go my way in Monaco qualifying," he admitted, "but I felt pretty strong all weekend. I'm going to take the same approach this weekend. The upgrade coming is positive. I'm looking forward to hopefully putting a good weekend in place.

"I don't think it makes a lot of sense to comment on rumours," he said. "There always seem to be rumours in Formula One. Anyway, like I say, I know what my contract says, and I know the work I am doing behind the scenes. I know I have the ability to be here and doing a good job.

"I don't have the points on the board, but I know it's possible. I think it's silly for me to comment on rumours, as that's all they are."

The kiwi revealed however that he has yet to speak to team boss Franz Tost.

"I haven't actually spoken to Franz yet," he said. "To be honest with you, I'm focused on this weekend. It doesn't even make sense to have the conversation."

Check out our Thursday gallery from Montreal, here.