McLaren's Vandoorne had his doubts in 2017

©McLaren

Stoffel Vandoorne admits he had moments of doubt in 2017, when he struggled to perform at his expected level in the first half of the season.

The first few months of the Belgian's maiden season of Grand Prix racing were riddled with reliability issues as Honda failed to deliver a competitive and trusty power unit.

But Vandoorne's approach to his driving was also called into question, forcing the 25-year-old to rethink his adaption to F1 and work more closely with his engineers.

Vandoorne says he's measured up well to Alonso

Asked what 2017 taught him, the McLaren driver told Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws: "That you should never doubt yourself.

"That you have to stick to your self-confidence, no matter what, and I did that.

"Ok, in those first difficult months I felt a bit of doubt here and there, but I also said to myself that it is not possible that I lost all my talent over one winter time."

Vandoorne says his passing doubts have ultimately made him a better driver.

"It has made me stronger for the rest of my career, and for the day that I get a car to fight for wins," he added.

"I have learned a lot from all those problems, how to deal with them and how to find a solution."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.