Stoffel Vandoorne still believes he can get a 2017 Formula 1 seat even if he is not with McLaren-Honda. The 2015 GP2 Series champion has been rumoured to replace Jenson Button at the team next year but with McLaren delaying the decision, Vandoorne may have to look at other teams for a 2017 race seat.
“The main goal is to be in Formula 1 next year,” said Vandoorne at the Silverstone test. “That hasn’t changed.
“Obviously, I am contracted to McLaren and I really want to be with this team next year, I’ve spent a lot of time here with the engineers and I feel like we’ve really been through the perfect preparation. There’s really not much more I can do; I just need to get the drive.”
The Belgian realised that there were other opportunities on the gird in 2017: “I would love to race for this team, but I’ve always said – if for some reasons, which I don’t know, it doesn’t become possible, then I’m positive that there are other options available.”
Renault have been linked to the reigning GP2 champion, with the team helmed by his former team boss at ART Grand Prix, Frederic Vasseur.
