Vandoorne after four years of waiting: 'Had almost forgotten how this felt'

The man who won everything

With Formula 4, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and the GP2 Series, Vandoorne has won just about everything in the entry classes before entering Formula 1 in 2017. With McLaren's help, the Belgian was able to enter Formula 1 without a sack of money, but it did not all go as planned. Vandoorne had to think back to that when he booked his first victory in Berlin since 2016.

''At that time I also thought back to my Formula 1 period. I had almost forgotten what a victory felt like. At last I was able to show that I still have the same qualities to win a race'', says Vandoorne, who finally took second place in the championship with his victory in Formula E as well.

Vandoorne is still dreaming

Does Vandoorne still dream of that chance in Formula 1? ''Not right away. That would cost me too much energy. Mercedes is giving me a great opportunity in Formula E and I want to grab it with both hands. Of course, I will always be left with the feeling: What if I had been in a more competitive Formula 1 car? Then I could have shown other things'', Vandoorne realises.

Compared to Belgian Sporza, however, Vandoorne also knows that he has experienced something unique and he is still grateful to McLaren for the opportunity he has been given. ''I realise that I have experienced something unique, especially as a young rider without a bag of money. McLaren is a top team, but unfortunately not when I raced there'', concludes the Belgian.