Vandoorne admits chances are "very slim" for next season

With Stoffel Vandoorne's recent exit from McLaren confirmed, the Belgian driver admits that his chances of getting a seat in Formula One next season are "very slim"...

Vandoorne was one of the hottest talents in the sport before his move to McLaren which damaged his reputation.

Lando Norris, another seriously hot prospect who has come through the McLaren ranks, is Vandoorne's replacement for next season and the Belgian admitted that the chances of him driving in F1 next season are looking increasingly slimmer by the day.

"The driver market has been a bit strange for a couple of weeks now, seats are closing down almost every day," Vandoorne explained to journalists previewing the Singapore Grand Prix.

"My chances to be on the F1 grid next year are very slim. But until everything is fixed I guess you've got to keep talking, keep trying and give everything for it. That's all I can do for the moment.

"Until the F1 door closes I've got to keep all of the options open. There are some interesting projects that could become reality next year but at the moment nothing is done and I'm still a free agent."

Toro Rosso could be a potential avenue for Vandoorne to venture down, with one seat definitely free and two perhaps.

Pierre Gasly's move to Red Bull has been confirmed and it looks unlikely they will keep the struggling Brendon Hartley on for next season.