F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vandoorne could be in for a 'shock'… thanks to Mercedes

Stoffel Vandoorne's chances of remaining on F1's grid in 2019 have all but collapsed, but the Belgian may soon find himself on Formula E's electric grid, with a little help from Mercedes.

With a scarcity of available seats, Vandoorne's efforts of remaining in Grand Prix racing have been fruitless, enticing the 26-year-old to look beyond F1 for the next step in his motorsport career.

Reports have emerged that he now figures on the shortlist of Mercedes-backed Formula E squad HWA that will be making its debut this year in the all-electric series.

Best known for its success with Mercedes in the German DTM series, HWA partnered with the Monaco-based Venturi Formula E outfit last year, but the team will run in season 5 of the series as its own entity, using powertrains from Venturi.

The effort is considered to be something of a dry run for Mercedes before its grand entry next year into FE.

The German manufacturer had been looking to supply HWA with a line-up comprised of two of its currently contracted drivers, but Vandoorne's unexpected availability has opened a door at Mercedes.

HWA is set to announce its 2018/19 Formula E driver line-up on October 8, with in-house racer Gary Paffett expected to be named as one of the team's drivers.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

13 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

14 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

16 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

17 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

18 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

19 hours ago