Vandoorne still convinced he is 'the future of McLaren'

©WRI

40

Stoffel Vandoorne is focused on the job at hand and not concerned about ramping speculation his seat with McLaren could be in jeopardy for 2019.

Impressive credentials garnered in the junior categories of single-seater racing made the Belgian a hot rookie when he graduated to a full-time race seat with the Woking-based outfit.

However, his relative performance to team mate Fernando Alonso, over whom he has rarely had the upper hand, paints a disappointing picture so far of his career in F1 and casts doubt about his future.

Vandoorne just needs time to shine - Wolff

The 26-year-old claims to be unaffected by the innuendo and confident about where he'll be racing in 2019.

"I don't think about that," he told Belgium's Sporza news agency.

"I focus on my own performance, which I think is more important. I just want to get everything out of my car.

"I have a long agreement with McLaren, so I'm not worried about that. A Formula 1 contract remains a Formula 1 contract, even if you still have to perform," he added

"But the team has complete trust in me. I'm not worried at all. I'm especially ready for the day when I can really race with a competitive car."

With McLaren junior Lando Norris hailed as a future star and waiting in the wings, the onus is on Vandoorne to perform, yet he remains convinced he is the team's right man for the job.

"I think I'm still the future of the team, I don't really see anyone else," he insisted.

"With Lando Norris, it's too early to talk about that. I'm concentrating on myself.

"All the ingredients are here to get results, but of course I cannot wait ten years to get a competitive car.

"I want to race with a top car as soon as possible to show what I can do, but I don't think it will take McLaren that long."

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.