Stoffel Vandoorne has confirmed he will replace Kevin Magnussen as McLaren’s reserve driver, after the team opted against renewing the Dane’s contract in October.
Whilst McLaren have yet to officially confirm the news, 2015 GP2 champion Vandoorne admitted it was a done deal when he was asked about his opportunities for next season, which includes a possible Super Formula driver.
“There’s definitely some options and we’re talking about them,” the Belgian driver said, when asked about the possibility of racing in the Japanese open-wheel formula.
“I’m going to be test and reserve driver at McLaren anyway, which is a good position to be in,” he confirmed. “And if you stay sharp, fit and focused, then if any opportunity arises in F1 you’re 100 per cent ready to jump in.”
The 23-year-old is due to test a Super Formula car later this year, likely with one of the Honda-powered cars.
“I want to keep racing alongside that [the McLaren reserve role], and I think Super Formula is one of the options, but it’s not decided yet whether I’m going to do it or not.
“Okay, you don’t have that much horse power, but the cornering speeds are very impressive indeed. For sure they’re quicker around the corners than F1 cars nowadays.”
