'Vandoorne to sign Formula E deal'

'Vandoorne to sign Formula E deal'

Joas van Wingerden

Wednesday 26 September 2018 12:28

Stoffel Vandoorne is set to find a swift route back into motorsport after his McLaren departure with a seat in season five of Formula E, it has been reported. E-racing365 has claimed that Vandoorne will race for the Mercedes-affiliated HWA in 2018-19.

The Belgian has struggled to deliver on his junior-formula category in F1 and will be replaced by Lando Norris next year, with McLaren giving up on Vandoorne as he has been outqualified by Fernando Alonso in all 15 races so far this year.

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Vandoorne brought titles in GP2 and Super Formula to F1 with him, replacing Jenson Button full-time in 2017, however, he has only beaten Alonso in one race where both have seen the chequered flag – last year's Malaysian Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old has held talks with IndyCar team Dale Coyne Racing and it appears he will not be short of offers, despite an underwhelming F1 stint.

E-racing365 reports that he has already tested a car for the all-electric series, with similarities in machinery between F1 and FE also boosting his hopes of securing a race seat.

HWA has raced in DTM with Mercedes since 1999 and has produced seven champions in the German touring car championship.

Gary Paffett, 2005 DTM champion with HWA is expected to form part of their FE line-up and it appears Vandoorne could partner the Englishman, with an official announcement set to be made in October.

MORE: Vandoorne in talks over 2019 deal