Source: McLaren Media Centre

F1 News

Vandoorne delighted to end point drought

Vandoorne delighted to end point drought

29-10-2018 08:55
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Bobby Vincent

McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne has revealed that he is "super glad" as his points drought has finally been lifted following an eighth place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday.

Vandoorne started off the season in great form, with three out of the four opening races including top 10 finishes but has struggled ever since.

The Belgian driver was knocked out in Q1 on Saturday but went with a one-stop strategy to rise into the points in Mexico City, moving up a place following Daniel Ricciardo's late retirement for Red Bull.

The result also helped McLaren as they bid for sixth place in the Constructors' Championship, with its rival Force India failing to get into the points.

"We put a lot of preparation into this weekend, and we knew it was possible to score points here," Vandoorne revealed. "I'm super glad to finish P8 and score some points. It is important for us in the Constructors' Championship.

"Ultimately, we made the tyres last for one stop. After lap one we were last, so it was a great recovery, some good overtakes on track, which were very crucial. Making the tyres last and finishing eighth was a great result for me and also for the team to score some good points for the constructors."

Vandoorne will be leaving McLaren at the end of the season, with the Belgian driver being replaced by junior driver Lando Norris; and will be spending next season racing in Formula E.