'If an opportunity presents itself, I'll be ready': Vandoorne applies for return

The career in F1 Stoffel Vandoorne's performance was far from remarkable. Arriving in 2017 at a stable McLaren then in decline, the Belgian had two complicated years there, to say the least. The first with the Honda engine and all the problems it brought with it every weekend, and the second with the transition to the engine Renault before he was dismissed to make way for Lando Norris et Carlos Sainz at the dawn of the 2019 campaign.

Since then, his career has taken a completely different turn, with a commitment to Formula E and a title, but also in WEC with Peugeot in Hypercar. However, he remains linked to F1 with a role as test driver and reserveAston Martin. Enough to dream of a return in the near future?

It's hard to imagine it given the current environment of Formula 1 and the limited number of places on the grid. While taking into account that he is not really among the most sought-after drivers in the paddock that he has not been in regularly for almost 6 years now. For his part, Stoffel Vandoorne does not seem to have completely closed this door even if he is aware that a return is not on the agenda. However, if need be, he would feel ready to start enjoying himself again.

« I have no doubt that I can still do it., he confided during a one-on-one meeting with the F1 website. I've been out of F1 for a while now, but I've continued to race and keep fit. I've also had the opportunity to test a few times, which has meant I'm not totally absent, even though the opportunities to race are very slim these days.

I'm sure if the opportunity comes along I'll be ready. I'll probably be in a different frame of mind than I was when I started in F1, and I'll probably enjoy it a lot more. It only takes one opportunity to get back into the game. It's always good to keep the door open because you never know.. » But will it ever really open up for good?

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