NOVEMBER 13, 2017 Alonso not my mentor says Vandoorne Stoffel Vandoorne says he does not need Fernando Alonso's help in formula one. After a sluggish start, Belgian rookie Vandoorne is now regularly competitive alongside his McLaren teammate Alonso, who is arguably one of the best F1 drivers ever. "He's probably the best reference in formula one," Vandoorne agrees. "I have a good relationship with him, even if there is a lot of competition, which is normal. "We do not have a strong package this year, but it has been positive for me because I had the chance to get quite close to him," he added. But Vandoorne, 25, said it is wrong to compare his relationship with Alonso to Felipe Massa's with Lance Stroll at Williams this year. Vandoorne insists Alonso was not his "mentor". "No!" he told Brazil's Globo. "Of course we work together on the same team and in the same direction, but he does not stand next to me helping. "We are very open and have normal conversations when we are out of the car," Vandoorne added. "But he is not there to be my mentor. "Maybe Lance needs this, I don't know."
Must say saw some pics the other day and I don't believe they've got this Mentor type relationship either. Just get along well as teammates should. I'm impressed with Vandoorne. Love his dig at Stroller
he hasn't been close to Alonso...usually .5 tenths off in quali... I would have loved to see McClaren pick up Kubica
In fairness, Stoffel is six years older than Lance and has raced at a high level that much longer. That said, Vandoorne is the real deal, and if the cards fall his way, with regards to teams etc., he could be a WDC.
I've been impressed with vandoorne, affectionately referred to by my seven year old daughter as vandonkey after his early season antics. He deserves his seat no question and it's great to see him have the confidence to say that too. I wish him well for next season!
If Alonso was his mentor he would have already stuffed is car in the wall a couple of times...right after his mentor entered the pits to change tires....
Podiums and perhaps race wins, I could see. It seems premature to say he could be a WDC, given that he's not yet had the chance to prove himself with consistency at the front with a package that could genuinely compete for race wins. All the best, Andrew.
Are you saying the Honda engine is crap? But the aero is awesome Andrew! Bias in the f1 forum, shame on you
Yep. lol I wonder how McLaren are going to do next year with Renault. They must be concerned about the recent spate of reliability issues with Renault engines. All the best, Andrew.
I reckon you are right. If the engine is strong though, alonso will be the surprise package a lot of the twisty circuits Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
