Vandoorne flying to Bahrain, but unsure about Mercedes' plans
Stoffel Vandoorne has not been able to give much thought to a possible Formula 1 comeback with Mercedes, but knows there's a "chance" he'll be racing in Bahrain this weekend.
Mercedes announced on Tuesday morning that Lewis Hamilton would miss this weekend's Sakhir Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19.
Hamilton reported mild symptoms on Monday before testing positive, and will now self-isolate in Bahrain for the next 10 days.
Mercedes said it would announce a replacement for the seven-time world champion "in due course", but no news is expected to be issued on Tuesday.
Mercedes Formula E driver Vandoorne is the German marque's designated F1 reserve driver, having served in the role since the start of the 2019 season.
Vandoorne was already due to fly out to Bahrain following the completion of Formula E testing in Valencia on Tuesday.
But the ex-McLaren F1 driver said he remained unsure whether or not he would be racing in Bahrain this weekend.
"I'm anyway going to Bahrain, I'm catching a flight tomorrow," Vandoorne said. "At the moment, I don't know what's going to happen.
"I know there is a chance for me to drive, but let's wait and see. I'm travelling there tomorrow and I'll find out probably."
Vandoorne revealed that he first learned Hamilton had been ruled out on Tuesday morning shortly before the announcement had been made.
The Belgian had not been able to give much thought to a possible first F1 start since his final appearance for McLaren at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix due to his commitments with Mercedes.
"I got a first message this morning around 7, the team told me that Lewis tested positive, and that they were going to announce an hour later," Vandoorne said.
"But afterwards, it's just been kind of waiting for me, and to be honest, I've not really been able to think about it that much because I've been focusing on my Formula E test here.
"That's been the priority of the day. I know I'm travelling anyway out to Bahrain tomorrow, so yeah, let's wait and see."
Vandoorne spent two seasons racing in F1 with McLaren, recording a best race finish of seventh place.
An alternative option for Mercedes is George Russell, should the team manage to agree a deal to draft him from Williams for the race weekend.
It is unclear if Hamilton will be able to race in the season finale in Abu Dhabi, with his 10 days of self-isolation set to end on the Thursday of the Yas Marina race weekend.
Related video
Previous article
Vettel questions excessive crash replays: "We're human beings"
Next article
Motorsport.com survey: F1 fans want sustainability and diversity
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Stoffel Vandoorne |
| Teams | Mercedes |
| Author | Luke Smith |
The defining traits that set F1’s best apart
What makes the very best drivers in Formula 1 stand out among what is already a highly elite bunch? Andrew Benson takes a closer look at those with the special blend of skill, judgment, feel and attitude that sets only a select few apart from the rest.
The updates Williams hopes will lead to a point-scoring return
After producing a car which demonstrated progress but lacked the points to prove it last year, Williams starts its new era of team ownership with the FW43B, its bid to continue the climb up the Formula 1 grid in 2021
How Ferrari plans to recover from its 2020 F1 nightmare
The 2020 Formula 1 season was Ferrari's worst for 40 years as it slumped to sixth in the standings. A repeat performance will not be acceptable for the proud Italian team, which has adopted a notably pragmatic approach to forging its path back to the top
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
