The Belgian deputised for the injured Fernando Alonso at the Bahrain Grand Prix this year and scored points on his debut with a strong drive to ninth position.
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It is widely believed that Vandoorne and Alonso’s regular teammate Jenson Button are in a head-to-head for the seat alongside the Spaniard in 2017.
However, with McLaren admitting that it is not willing to make a decision on whether to retain Jenson Button for an eighth season until September, Vandoorne is getting anxious and admits that he intends to be on the grid next year, whether it is with McLaren or not.
“I want to improve the vehicle, because if I succeed, the chances increase that I can show more of what I am capable of”.
Returning to the cockpit for the final day of in-season testing at Silverstone, the 24-year-old could clearly feel the improvements that have been made, both in terms of chassis and engine. Again when I got in the vehicle it felt pretty positive straightaway and that is always a good situation when you can push straightaway.
However, Vandoorne also said McLaren won’t be his only option in F1 for the 2017 season.
“Luckily, we had a lot of tyres left because of all the rain yesterday, so in between set-up changes we tried to get as many laps in as possible, and I’m pleased with how today has gone”. However, Dennis said in May that Vandoorne was an “integral part of McLaren-Honda’s future”, adding, “any team that imagines they may be able to poach him is very much mistaken”.
This year I see as a preparation year for next year and my main focus is still to get an F1 drive next year. “You may rest assured Stoffel is not for sale”. “This year I see for me as more of a preparation year for next year, my main focus is still to get a Formula 1 drive next year and I’ve been focused on my role as reserve driver”.
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Asked by Motorsport.com whether Honda were monitoring his progress in that series, Vandoorne said: “I think everybody is interested in what I’m doing there”.
