Vandoorne looks to Magnussen example for "fresh start"

Stoffel Vandoorne says he is keen for a fresh start after his unsuccessful F1 stint with McLaren and will look to the example set by Kevin Magnussen. The Dane, who suffered a similar fate after being shown the door by McLaren and then Renault, landed on his feet at Haas and has impressed the team since joining them. 

The Belgian pointed to the Haas driver as an example that there is indeed life after McLaren and that he would follow the example set by Magnussen as he still looks for a seat in F1 as well as alternative options away from the sport.

“I feel a lot of support still from people high up in the Formula 1 paddock, let’s say, and people realise what the situation has been here at McLaren,” Vandoorne is quoted by Motorsport.com.

“Ask Kevin (Magnussen), he’s been in a kind of similar situation and I think he really benefitted from having a fresh start.

"It’s something I’m quite looking forward to as well, to have a fresh start and see what the future holds.”

Vandoorne was recently linked with an IndyCar drive for 2019 with IndyCar team boss Dale Coyle admitting that talks have taken place in private, with the 26-year-old interested in a potential switch to the series.

Despite being replaced by the team, Vandoorne did acknowledge the help that McLaren had given him throughout his career.

“McLaren was there very early in my career and in a way they’ve made part of my career as well,” he said.

“They’ve helped me through GP2 and Japan, then they gave me the opportunity to race in Formula 1 as well. So I will always be grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”