Vandoorne confirms 2019 Mercedes F1 role

Stoffel Vandoorne has confirmed that he will marry his 2019 Formula E commitments with simulator work for Mercedes' Formula 1 team. Vandoorne is racing for the Mercedes-backed HWA in the all-electric series, with a link to the Silver Arrows allowing him to keep his hand in F1.

Vandoorne has struggled to deliver on his junior-category promise in F1, having been largely dominated by Fernando Alonso at McLaren.

The Belgian has been close to his double world champion teammate at times, however, and is reported to have the backing of Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

"I'll be doing the simulator work in the F1 team for them, with Mercedes," said Vandoorne.

"That's an exciting part for me as well, to still be involved in the F1 world, to be with the world champions as well.

An incredible crowd out at the #AbuDhabiGP fan signing to see @svandoorne. ????????? pic.twitter.com/b5ZnjriZhh — McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 22, 2018

"It will be a very interesting move. I'm sure I can bring them a lot of fresh ideas, but also for me to see the differences there are, because I've only been at work with McLaren in F1.

"It's exciting for me as well to kind of have a bit of a fresh environment.

"It's definitely good to keep involved in the [F1] world, because we never know what happens in the future.

"To be involved with Mercedes and to perform the work for them is good, they will know exactly what I'm capable of doing.

"We don't know what the driver market is going to do in the future.

"It was a bit crazy this season, and who knows what it will be in the future? It's hard to tell.

"It's good to be involved and be prepared for anything that comes up."

MORE: Sirotkin gutted at Williams axe
MORE: Kubica certain injuries won't affect F1 comeback