Home Features Vandoorne formally joins McLaren Young Driver Programme

Vandoorne formally joins McLaren Young Driver Programme

by Peter Allen

Photo: Renault Sport/DPPI

Belgian star and Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion becomes official member of McLaren driver development scheme…

McLaren have announced that Stoffel Vandoorne has become an official member of their Young Driver Programme.

The 20-year-old Belgian won the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 title last year after coming out on top of a scrap with Red Bull Junior Daniil Kvyat. This year he will compete in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series with Fortec, replacing last year’s champion?Robin Frijns whom he also succeeded as Eurocup champion.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected to be part of the McLaren Young Driver Programme,” said Vandoorne. “McLaren is one of the greatest names in global motorsport, and to be a part of the McLaren Young Driver Programme is an honour and a privilege which I fully intend to do my very best to maximise in terms of both learning and results for years to come. I’d therefore like to take this opportunity to say a big ‘thank you’ to Martin Whitmarsh, and all at McLaren, for having shown faith in me in this way.”

Team principal Whitmarsh added: “We’re delighted to announce that Stoffel is now part of the McLaren Young Driver Programme. He’s an able and ambitious young driver, and we have high hopes for him.”

Vandoorne joins future FR3.5 rival Kevin Magnussen as an official member of McLaren’s driver programme.

Check out our Q&A with Stoffel Vandoorne from earlier this month here.