For the first time in 2017, Stoffel Vandoorne made it out of the first phase of qualifying, and would have participated in Q3 but for a crash at the end of Q2 that saw him end up in the barriers exiting the swimming pool complex.
The McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team driver had done enough to join team-mate Jenson Button in the top ten shootout at the Monaco Grand Prix but misjudged his cornering, catching the inside barrier and breaking his suspension that pushed him into the barriers.
Vandoorne will start twelfth once his three place grid penalty carried over from Spain is applied, but his mechanics will have work to do overnight to repair the damage to his car, but despite the crash the Belgian was positive with the progress that he and the team have seemingly made this weekend.
“This is a positive day,” admitted Vandoorne. “It’s my first time in Q3 – but I really should have been out on track for that last session. Sadly, I didn’t make it!
“We came here expecting to be more competitive, and we definitely showed that we’ve made a step this weekend. For every session, we’ve been able to run inside the top 10, and I felt very calm and confident in the cockpit.
“It’s a shame my qualifying session ended with a little crash – but that’s what sometimes happens when you’re pushing hard on the limit around this place.
“I think it’s really starting to come together for me with the team; tomorrow, I just want to get out there and have some fun.”
