Is there a spot for Stoffel Vandoorne at Ferrari?

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Stoffel Vandoorne's chances of securing a race seat for 2019 are remote, but the McLaren driver could be considered as a good addition to Ferrari's development programme.

On the back of a disappointing year, the Belgian will be leaving Woking at the end of the season when McLaren refreshes its driver line-up with new recruits Carlos Sainz and rookie Lando Norris.

A scarcity of seats in F1 will likely leave Vandoorne out in the cold, but Belgian newspaper La Dernière Heure believes the talented 26-year-old could replace Daniil Kvyat as the Scuderia's development and simulator driver.

Verstappen: Vandoorne 'had no chance' at McLaren

Vandoorne hasn't offered any comment on that prospect but he did admit to looking at opportunities outside of F1.

"Staying in F1 is still possible but the chances are very, very, very small," he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

"The market has changed a lot over the last weeks, but nothing is decided yet. We're even looking outside of F1, and I hope to have something very soon.

"There are other championships where the level is very high, and where there are a lot of people who still believe in my talent.

"I'm still the driver I was before who is able to win races and championships. I am convinced that in another environment I can do it again," he said.

Regarding Kvyat, the Russian is rumored to be returning to Toro Rosso next season, with an announcement expected in Sochi next week.

The junior bull squad says that it has a plethora of drivers on its list, and a report has emerged that its group of prospective driver now includes former Mercedes protégé Pascal Werlein whose contract with the German manufacturer has just been terminated.

"I am looking for new challenges and opportunities, and am currently talking to other teams about a cockpit for next season," Wehrlein revealed.

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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.