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Todt on Vandoorne: "I am still convinced that he is an excellent driver"

15:01, 10 Jan 2019

byJoseph Tyrrell

Nicolas Todt, son of the FIA chairman Jean Todt is hoping Stoffel Vandoorne will get another chance in Formula 1 after being dropped by McLaren.

The Belgian made his debut for McLaren in 2016 at the Bahrain Grand Prix and became the first reserve driver to score points on debut since Sebastian Vettel at the 2007 United States Grand Prix.

However, in September McLaren announced Vandoorne would leave the team and he has since joined HWA Racelab in Formula E.

Todt reflected on his tough season at McLaren.

"First of all, he was in a bad car, that does not help,” Todt said to Speedweek.

"But at the bottom of the line, nothing helps: you have to do with the material you are offered."

Vandoorne partnered Fernando Alonso and failed to challenge the Spaniard significantly.

“He also had one of the best drivers in the world next to him.

"Even if your car is bad, you have to beat your teammate, at least once in a while, and if you lose the qualifying match 21-0, you will almost certainly not survive in Formula 1.

"Then things went wrong, I am still convinced that he is an excellent driver and I hope he gets a second chance."