Vandoorne will do F1 simulator at Mercedes in 2019

After two complicated seasons at McLaren, Stoffel Vandoorne will head towards the 100% electric championship at the end of the year. The native of Kortrijk will be at the start of the first round of season 5 which takes place on December 15 in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia.

The former GP2 Series champion will defend the colors of HWA, armed arm of Mercedes en Fe, alongside Gary Paffett. Remember that the brand with the star only plans to join the zero-emission discipline in season 6. 

« I will do the simulator for the stable F1 Mercedes, announced Vandoorne from Abu Dhabi. It’s a stimulating project for me, it’s good to still have one foot in F1, especially with the world champions. 

It will be an interesting step in my career. I am convinced that I will bring them lots of new ideas and it will be just as enriching for me to note the differences with McLaren, which remains my only reference. It’s great to evolve in this kind of environment ».

Despite a disappointing first stint in F1, the 26-year-old driver has not lost hope of one day returning to the premier category. Toto wolff, boss of Mercedes, has often highlighted Vandoorne's skills from the time when the Belgian splashed the formulas promoting his talent. The Belgian, however, insists that Formula E is not just a stopgap while waiting for a return to F1.

« It's a good thing to stay involved in the world of F1 because you never know what the future holds, he added. Mercedes will be able to judge what I am capable of and that is also positive. Who knows what the driver market will be like? We saw this season how crazy he can be.” 

I had a lot of discussions with Toto about their Fe project. As it is Mercedes, the offer was very attractive. It was important to be linked to a manufacturer and when Mercedes launches into something, they always do things well. I am 100% convinced that they will invest substantial effort into this program ».