Source: McLaren Media Centre

F1 News

Vandoorne: We can be more competitive in Singapore

Vandoorne: "We can be more competitive in Singapore"

15-09-2018 08:33
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Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

Even though he struggled in both Free Practice sessions on Friday, Stoffel Vandoorne still thinks McLaren can be more competitive in Singapore, as the track isn't as straight-line-heavy.

It's been a tough few weeks for Vandoorne. The Belgian first learned he was going to get replaced at McLaren by reserve driver Lando Norris next season, and other teams don't seem to eager to offer him a seat. Even Sauber, a team that was seen as the biggest contender to offer him a seat, came out and said Vandoorne wasn't on their radar. 

He still has some driving to do before he likely leaves the F1 at the end of the season. In Singapore, he had a frustrating FP1, with a damaged floor limiting him to just 11 laps. He came in last, and while FP2 was better, it wasn't representative for his one-lap pace, as McLaren were running a race-simulation.

"I think we can be a little more competitive on this circuit, as engine power doesn't play as big of a role here," the Belgian is quoted by F1today after Friday's sessions ended.

"We know the competition aren't sitting still either, so we'll have to do everything we can to find the ideal set-up for qualifying and the race."

Speaking on his Friday, Vandoorne had mixed feelings, as he knew he can do better in terms of one-lap pace.

"It wasn't ideal to miss the best part of the first session, it always takes a while to get into a rhythm on a street circuit.

"In second practice it went a lot better, even though you won't see that in the lap times.

"We mainly did long-runs and we seem pretty strong in those.

"I hope we have a final practice without problems and that we can take a good result from this weekend."

Vandoorne will be looking to score his first points since Baku, which was ten races ago. Hopefully the 26-year-old can break his duck and show the paddock that he deserves a seat in F1!