Source: McLaren Media Centre

F1 News

Vandoorne offered potential drive in IndyCar for 2019

Vandoorne offered potential drive in IndyCar for 2019

22-09-2018 19:15
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Jake Williams-Smith

Stoffel Vandoorne could be set to make a sensational switch to IndyCar. His current McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso had been set to be the McLaren driver making the switch but now the Belgian has been linked with a move to the series in 2019.

Vandoorne will be replaced at the McLaren team by Lando Norris for next season and his options in F1 look limited if he hopes to remain in the sport. However, a potential lifeline has surfaced with IndyCar teamboss Dale Coyle admitting that talks had taken place with a view to a drive next year.

"We've talked to him, although I don't know where it will lead, if anywhere. But I'd say he's cautiously interested."

He also admitted that the horrific crash suffered by Robert Wickens at Pocono earlier in the year had affected potential suitors for the seat, Wickens suffered two broken legs as well as damage to his spine and lungs.

"It's affected all of us, hasn't it? People understand about laying it all on the line for the Indy 500 and everything that comes with it. But racing in front of 12,000 people at 220mph at some of these other tracks, it's fair to ask what we're doing, why we're doing it."

Vandoorne's last hope of a seat in F1 for 2019 looks to solely be with Sauber, however the signing of Kimi Raikkonen not being planned by Ferrari and another junior driver of theirs Antonio Giovinazzi also looking for a drive could mean that the Belgian will miss out on the seat.