Vandoorne could take F1 reserve role

Stoffel Vandoorne is eager to stay in the Formula One picture and would consider become a reserve/test driver for a team next season with the opportunity to drive for another team looking increasingly unlikely by the day.

Vandoorne is leaving McLaren at the end of the season with the Belgian being replaced by junior driver Lando Norris, who partners Carlos Sainz for the 2019 season.

The only option for Vandoorne to stay in F1 would be the seat at Toro Rosso, with Brendon Hartley's future still uncertain.

But Vandoorne's chances of doing that stands at "almost zero percent" according to the man himself.

Ferrari may be an option for Vandoorne if he did wish to move as a reserve driver, with Daniil Kyvat moving to Toro Rosso and Antonio Giovinazzi moving to Sauber for next season.

Vandoorne was questioned on the possibility, and replied: "The priority is first to find a race drive which will be the main focus and target and then we can see whatever options and then we can see whatever options will open up next to that.

"It's a bit of an evaluation to make really. Obviously you're not only thinking one year ahead, you're also thinking to the future. At the moment, I can't really tell.

"It's kind of hard to know exactly. To have a new challenge and having to go a few years, that's not a bad thing sometimes."