F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vandoorne to serve as McLaren's full-time reserve

Stoffel Vandoorne will serve as McLaren's official reserve driver for the remainder of the 2020 season following the conclusion of the Mercedes driver's Formula E campaign.

The sudden unavailability of Racing Point's Sergio Perez following a positive COVID-19 test before the British Grand Prix prompted McLaren to put in place a contingency plan in case one of its drivers was unexpectedly sidelined.

McLaren relied on Paul di Resta as its reserve driver last time out at Silverstone, but from this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix the Woking-based squad will revert to its arrangement with future engine supplier Mercedes by which Vandoorne will embed with his former team as its back-up.

"At the moment our consideration is that we have an agreement with Mercedes regarding the use of their reserve driver in case there's the need on our side," explained McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl, quoted by Autosport.

"What was special [last] weekend is that Stoffel Vandoorne was simply unavailable because he is doing Formula E.

"But with Stoffel being available again from Barcelona onwards, that is our main direction."

Mercedes' second reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez is currently ineligible to race in F1 as the Mexican does not hold an up-t-date superlicence.

Vandoorne will conclude his season in Formula E with Mercedes later today at the all-electric series' final round in Berlin and then will fly to Barcelona to be on site for the weekend with McLaren.

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.

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…

11 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…

12 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…

14 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…

15 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,…

17 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…

17 hours ago