Vandoorne doubts McLaren win potential in 2017

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While many believe McLaren is ready to be reborn from its ashes, Stoffel Vandoorne isn't sure his team can make it into the winner's circle this year.

Two years of struggles, void of any podiums, have worn the luster off of the Woking-based outfit.

While Honda has made progress on the power unit front and will introduce a new engine this season, getting back to the head of the grid will be a challenge, but one Vandoorne will fight for.

"It's hard to say," he told Belgian paper La Derniere Heure. "It's too early to judge.

"In any case, McLaren is improving. The last two seasons were not easy for Honda, but we made a significant step forward and we hope that positive trend will continue.

"I hope the car will be competitive and we will fight for the top positions."

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The Belgian hopeful, who has just one Grand Prix under his belt, a result of replacing an injured Fernando Alonso in Bahrain last year, says that a top 10 finish is not what he is aiming for in 2017.

"No, finishing in the top ten is not the goal. I want to win!

"But we don't know if we can win races already. Probably this year it won't be the case, but I'm still going to try.

"McLaren has good prospects for the future and I'm in the right place. I believe in the team," he added.

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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.