Stoffel Vandoorne relishing Alonso challenge

  • Published on 05 Sep 2016 14:49
  • comments 1
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Stoffel Vandoorne is looking forward to being pitched against two time world champion Fernando Alonso next season.

McLaren revealed on Saturday that Vandoorne would race for them in 2017, replacing veteran Jenson Button. Vandoorne therefore will partner Fernando Alonso who many consider to be the best on the grid. However, this doesn't faze the Belgian.

“It's big shoes to fill. Stepping into Jenson's seat is not easy as a young driver but I am totally up for a challenge. I have been in a reserve position this year and I have been following them on track, I have learnt a lot about how they push a team forward, how they help the team with development and having all three of us pushing the team forward we could be very successful."

“They are both world champions and when you want to get to F1 you have to go up against the best. I am looking forward to the challenge. I have raced in various series before F1 and I have managed to win championships so I am looking forward to being on the grid in Melbourne."

Vandoorne has already made his F1 debut when he replaced the injured Alonso at the Bahrain Grand Prix this year. He finished tenth, claiming McLaren's first point of the year. He is currently competing in Super Formula, a top-class racing series in Japan.

Replies (1)

Login to reply

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country BE
  • Date of b. Mar 26 1992 (32)
  • Place of b. Kortrijk, BE
  • Weight 65 kg
  • Length 1.77 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar