Formula 1: Stoffel Vandoorne didn't follow McLaren progress in Australian Grand Prix

Stoffel Vandoorne

Vandoorne didn't follow McLaren progress in Australia

He's a Mercedes man now...

Martin Macdonald

Monday 25 March 2019 11:11

Stoffel Vandoorne has admitted that he did not follow the progress of his former team McLaren during the first grand prix of the season in Australia, insisting that his focus is now on Mercedes as well as performing in Formula E.

The Belgian was ousted by McLaren and now works for Mercedes, both as a simulator and Formula E driver.

McLaren warn of quitting F1 as 2021 decision loomsRead more

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"No, I didn't," he told AS newspaper when asked if he watched how McLaren went in Melbourne two weeks ago.

"Now I work for Mercedes so I know it went very well for us."

Vandoorne said he is happy to be in Formula E.

"This is where I want to be, and where I want to have a strong future," he continued.

"HWA will become Mercedes next year and I want to be part of it. That is my goal, to be a champion here."

The former McLaren man said the level of driving in Formula E is very high, and aimed a dig at some unnamed F1 drivers.

"I think it's impossible to say the name of a driver who does not deserve to be here," he added.

"In F1, of course there are very, very good drivers, but also there are some drivers that are, let's say, less good.”

McLaren revamped their driving line-up over the winter by replacing Vandoorne and the retiring Fernando Alonso with Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz.

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