McLaren has officially announced that Stoffel Vandoorne is not going to remain with team for 2019 season. With his departure, another driver from Formula 2; Lando Norris is to join the Carlos Sainz.
Vandoorne decision to leave the team came when one of his fellow teammates Fernando Alonso’s contract deal was not renewed on Monday. This leads to not one but two empty seats for the Woking based team in the grid for next season race.
There has been rumor that the former McLaren driver; Sergio Perez is to return back from Force India. However it is confirmed that Formula 2 champion Lando Norris is going to replace his 26 years old partner Sainz who has been already switched from Renault.
Norris on soon to be his joining of McLaren told reporters that, “to be even announced as a driver for McLaren is a dream come true. Despite the fact that I have been part of the team for quite some time this is really a special moment for me. I only hope that this would become a reality.”
He further added to his word with a gracious tone, “I am thankful for all the belief that the whole team has put in me for this amazing opportunity. I am also grateful to McLaren for the commitment that they have put to train me and allowing my experience to build for F1 car for both testing and on Friday during the past two racing weekends.”
Confirming the news of his departure; Vandoorne talked to reporters saying that, “I am obviously grateful to McLaren for putting their faith in investing their five years in me. I joined McLaren when I was but a young driver. In these five years I have seen my career progression from a Test and Development driver to being a Reservoir Driver and then finally becoming a Full Time Race Driver. Although I am leaving McLaren I am going to give all my best in the remaining seven races of the season. As for my future plans I will tell them in due time”.
