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Vandoorne beleives it's the right time to leave Formula 1

Vandoorne beleives it's the "right time" to leave Formula 1

21-11-2018 08:57

Stoffel Vandoorne believes his Formula 1 departure is coming at the right time as he bows out this weekend in Abu Dhabi. After spending two seasons in the McLaren cockpit, the 26-year-old will move over to Formula E next month.

In 40 Grands Prix, the Belgian's highest finish was in seventh place which he achieved twice in the 2017 season. This year, he's made it into the points on just four occasions. He's 38 points down on Fernando Alonso's tally and still has a zero in his team-mate qualifying battle.

After being forced out of McLaren in favour of a driver shake-up next season, he claims there is no dispute between himself and team members.

“Although I’ve spent two years as a Formula 1 driver with McLaren, I’ve been with the team for five years and call many of them my friends," Vandoorne said in an interview on F1i.

"I’ve built a great relationship with McLaren, and it’s been a significant part of my life. My final Grand Prix as a McLaren driver on Sunday will be sentimental, but also the right time to say goodbye to this chapter in my career."

Following the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Vandoorne has just a three-week break before kicking off his Formula E career. But first, he says he has a job to finish in the Papaya-orange of McLaren.

“I’m excited for the next challenge, which begins in only a few weeks. But I also want to enjoy every moment in the [Formula 1] car and with the team this weekend for the final time," Vandoorne said.