Vandoorne could twin McLaren role with Super Formula in 2016
Stoffel Vandoorne could twin McLaren Formula 1 reserve duties with a campaign in Super Formula next year, if he is unsuccessful in landing a full-time grand prix drive.
McLaren is pushing hard for the Belgian to graduate to F1 after his dominant campaign in GP2 resulted in him clinching the championship in Russia last weekend.
The Woking-based team is eager for him to get valuable F1 experience next season, and he has been linked with drives at both Manor and Renault.
His speed is without doubt and McLaren may be willing to provide financial backing in a bid to secure him a place elsewhere in F1 – with Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso having confirmed they are staying put for 2016.
Key decisions
Speaking at the weekend about his plans for the future, Vandoorne said: “Hopefully Formula 1. It’s something I’ve been working on for quite some time, and now to have the GP2 title here is a bit of a luxury I would say with two rounds to go.
“The next one is in over a month, so I can concentrate on preparing next year which is great. Unfortunately, nothing is decided for the moment, but I’m optimistic. I feel there are some chances out there. The next days and weeks are going to be crucial for next year.”
Reserve role
If Vandoorne is not successful in securing one of the remaining seats on the grid, then it is understood that one option being evaluated is for him to be test and reserve driver for McLaren alongside a full or part-time campaign in the Japan-based Super Formula series in a bid to prepare him fully for 2017.
With current reserve Kevin Magnussen moving on from McLaren at the end of this season, Vandoorne could take the lion's share of simulator and testing duties – with F1 set to hold two in-season tests in 2016 as well as extra tyre preparation running for the bigger tyres coming the year after.
Vandoorne's race sharpness could also be kept up with a competitive seat in Super Formula – which would also keep McLaren's engine partner Honda happy.
The speed and downforce characteristics of Super Formula would be perfect to help Vandoorne get ready for the pace leap that F1 is preparing to deliver for 2017.
The Senna Hall of Fame Collection debuts in Austin
COTA interviews Alexander Rossi ahead of the United States GP
Hamilton being hurt by specific design element on W14 F1 car
Hamilton being hurt by specific design element on W14 F1 car Hamilton being hurt by specific design element on W14 F1 car
Ferrari must not “bullshit itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
Ferrari must not “bullshit itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur Ferrari must not “bullshit itself” over F1 form, says Vasseur
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Vandoorne a "natural" choice for Peugeot WEC reserve role
Vandoorne a "natural" choice for Peugeot WEC reserve role Vandoorne a "natural" choice for Peugeot WEC reserve role
McLaren adds Aston Martin's Vandoorne, Drugovich to 2023 F1 reserve driver pool
McLaren adds Aston Martin's Vandoorne, Drugovich to 2023 F1 reserve driver pool McLaren adds Aston Martin's Vandoorne, Drugovich to 2023 F1 reserve driver pool
The trait Vandoorne rediscovered to claim Formula E's era-ending title
The trait Vandoorne rediscovered to claim Formula E's era-ending title The trait Vandoorne rediscovered to claim Formula E's era-ending title
Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit
Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit Norris laments "silly mistake" at "easiest corner" in Saudi GP Q1 exit
Piastri: Becoming “more comfortable” in McLaren F1 car led to Q3 charge
Piastri: Becoming “more comfortable” in McLaren F1 car led to Q3 charge Piastri: Becoming “more comfortable” in McLaren F1 car led to Q3 charge
Why Piastri being "almost constantly a little unhappy" pre-F1 debut pleases McLaren
Why Piastri being "almost constantly a little unhappy" pre-F1 debut pleases McLaren Why Piastri being "almost constantly a little unhappy" pre-F1 debut pleases McLaren
Raikkonen “excited” to return to NASCAR Cup racing at COTA
Raikkonen “excited” to return to NASCAR Cup racing at COTA Raikkonen “excited” to return to NASCAR Cup racing at COTA
MotoGP sprint races: Everything you need to know
MotoGP sprint races: Everything you need to know MotoGP sprint races: Everything you need to know
Tanak: M-Sport "car and me, a mismatch" in WRC Mexico
Tanak: M-Sport "car and me, a mismatch" in WRC Mexico Tanak: M-Sport "car and me, a mismatch" in WRC Mexico
Motorsport Network is delighted to have partnered with LIQUI MOLY for the 3rd consecutive year, as it expands MotoGP coverage
Motorsport Network is delighted to have partnered with LIQUI MOLY for the 3rd consecutive year, as it expands MotoGP coverage Motorsport Network is delighted to have partnered with LIQUI MOLY for the 3rd consecutive year, as it expands MotoGP coverage
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come Testing times for Vasseur, but the true challenge at Ferrari is about to come
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem How the F1 driver expression saga continues to have a Lineker-like problem
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise Why a Mercedes U-turn couldn't deny Sauber's F1 debut surprise
Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much
Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much Why Mercedes is fronting up to its F1 mistakes too much
CFD: How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
CFD: How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance CFD: How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.