Vandoorne: 'Don't compare me to Hamilton'

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McLaren rookie Stoffel Vandoorne doesn't want to be compared to Lewis Hamilton, or to any other driver for that matter.

The 24-year-old Belgian, who made his Grand Prix debut with McLaren last year in Bahrain, is on the eve of his first full season of Formula 1, and finds himself in a context similar to the one which Hamilton faced in 2007.

He'll certainly have his work cut out for him, both in terms of delivering results to McLaren and in terms of performance relative to team mate Fernando Alonso, but Vandoorne says he is fully aware of the challenge ahead.

"I do not want to be Hamilton," Vandoorne reportedly told La Gazzetta.

"I want to be Vandoorne and I'll give my maximum." "I do not expect anything from the relationship between Fernando and I.

"I didn't exactly get advice from Fernando and (Jenson) Button until now, but I was always close to them at the circuit, watching and trying to learn. But I have my own style."

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Very much his own man, Vandoorne also dismissed any comparaisons with Max Verstappen.

"Max and I came to F1 on very different paths. I started racing a little late, did not have much money and didn't know what categories to do.

"Max did everything much faster. I lack experience in Grands Prix, but I'm more than ready."

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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.