Vandoorne boosted by set-up breakthrough

McLaren's Stoffel Vandoorne believes he has made a step forward with his McLaren engineers on the set-up of his MCL32, as his improved form in Monaco demonstrated.

Despite a mishap in qualifying in Monte-Carlo and another in the race, the Belgian feels his progress is real compared to the beginning of the year which saw him struggle to perform near team mate Fernando Alonso.

"I've been working hard with the team to understand what I need exactly from the car," he told Motorsport.com.

"I think that has taken a little bit of time at the start of the season but I am feeling more and more comfortable with the way we are going, and the way I am driving the car and the set-up.

"Everything is falling into place and I think everything is there to repeat that now."

Vandoorne takes a high dose of concentration to Canada

The performance of McLaren's chassis brings a bit of light to a tunnel which remains dimmed by the persistent issues surrounding Honda's power unit.

Still, Vandoorne is taking the positives where he can find them.

"I think actually there has been some positive vibes because the car is moving in the right direction," he said.

"Everything we've done in terms of parts wise, bringing upgrades to the track, they have more or less delivered the way we have wanted, and that has been good for the team to see the competitiveness of the car."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.