Stoffel Vandoorne has stressed that he is “100 per cent determined” to sign off from McLaren in a positive manner, in the wake of confirmation that he will leave the team at the end of 2018.
Vandoorne has been affiliated with McLaren since 2013 and last year stepped up to a race seat full-time, a position he kept for this season.
But Vandoorne has endured a troublesome sophomore season in Formula 1, has failed to score a point since April’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and has dropped out in Q1 across the last seven events.
McLaren confirmed last week that Vandoorne will not be part of its driver line-up into 2019, with Lando Norris taking the Belgian’s seat, and Carlos Sainz Jr. joining from Renault.
“Although I’m very much looking to the future since I confirmed I won’t be racing for McLaren next season, I’m also 100 per cent determined to give everything for the remaining grands prix this season,” said Vandoorne.
“Both the team and I are pushing very hard to get the best results we can with what we have, and it’s certainly not over yet.
“Last year was my first experience of racing in Singapore and I really enjoyed it.
“In fact, it was there and in Malaysia that I scored my best result yet in Formula 1, in seventh place.
“It’s a track that definitely suits the strengths of our package more than others, so I’m hopeful of a more positive weekend where we can show improved pace and take the fight to our competitors.”
Vandoorne’s 2019 replacement Norris will not be present in Singapore this weekend, with the British youngster tasked with undertaking simulator duties at its Woking factory.
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