Outgoing McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne says he is excited to explore alternative options in racing off the back of losing his Formula 1 seat.
Vandoorne has been backed by McLaren since 2013, during which period he finished runner-up in Formula Renault 3.5, claimed a dominant GP2 title, and won races in Super Formula.
Vandoorne stepped up to an F1 seat for 2017 but has struggled to match team-mate Fernando Alonso, with his plight accentuated by McLaren’s competitive situation.
McLaren confirmed earlier this month that Lando Norris will replace Vandoorne in 2019, and the Belgian’s chances to remain on the grid are slim-to-none.
Vandoorne admitted that “Formula E is a possibility”, having been linked with a move into the series, and was buoyed by the offers he has received since his exit was announced.
“First of all I’m trying to enjoy the last Grands Prix with McLaren,” he said ahead of the Russian Grand Prix.
“It has been a tough time and a tough year, the past two seasons have been difficult, but I’m making the most of it, and I want to finish on a positive note, I’ve made a lot of friends at this team.
“It’s clear in my mind what I want to do next year, I hope I can tell you guys a bit more [soon].
“The chances to be in Formula 1 are I think very, very minimal, probably nothing in F1, there’s a lot of things next to Formula 1 that are very interesting.
“The good thing is I’ve had a lot of offers from different series, different teams, and it’s been nice to be in that position.
“I think in my mind I know exactly what I want to do so that’s good.”
Vandoorne has not scored a point in Formula 1 since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
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