Vandoorne "optimistic" for the season after McLaren's strong showing in Melbourne

Stoffel Vandoorne picked up two points after a ninth placed finish in the Australian Grand Prix, as team-mate Fernando Alonso picked up an impressive fifth-placed finish.

The Belgian started 11th after Valtteri Bottas’ penalty and benefitted from both Haas cars retiring.

McLaren are in their first race with Renault as an engine supplier after three torrid years with Honda.

Vandoorne said after the race: “It’s a great result to have both cars in the points today.

“It’s a big contrast from last year, and I think there’s massive potential for the future.

“From my side, I was a little bit unlucky with the Virtual Safety Car, as I think we could have finished even higher up, but for the opening race I think we can be very happy.

“Our performance in the race was pretty good – we were fighting with the Renault and Red Bull cars which is positive, and we think there is definitely some margin for progression.

“It’s a great start to the season, and after this race I feel there’s a lot of potential for the future.”

Vandoorne is looking forward to the rest of the season and is expecting more points to come: “I’m very optimistic for the rest of the year.

“The baseline is good, we have something to work with and now we need to keep improving and deliver more performance, and ultimately points.”