Vandoorne Fully Focused on F1 Despite Other Interests

Stoffel Vandoorne suggests his focus “remains 100% Formula 1” despite expressing an interest in the Bathurst 1000 touring car race.

The F1 focus may well have become significantly stronger over the past week as he managed to get his McLaren in the points last Sunday.

The Bathurst 1000 is held annually on the Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia, 500 miles from the Albert Park Circuit.

The former GP2 series champion said: “Bathurst is a very cool race. I had a few friends racing there as well, so we’ll see what the future holds. (But) it’s not something I’m specifically looking at.

“My focus remains 100% Formula 1, and the most important (thing) is to succeed in F1. This is my number one target.”

Perhaps contemplating a similar move his teammate Fernando Alonso made last year, Vandoorne went on to discuss fitting things around the F1 season.

“In the future, we’ll see what opportunities arise. If it fits with our schedule, why not?”

Currently, the Bathurst 500 coincides with the Japanese Grand Prix.