Stoffel Vandoorne scored points on his Formula 1 debut in Bahrain, after he had to fill in for Fernando Alonso.
McLaren’s reserve driver finished tenth in the second round of the 2016 season, meaning he scored the teams first points of the season. Jenson Button didn’t finish in the points at the opening race in Australia, and had to retire in Bahrain.
“To get away with one point is a great feeling,” Vandoorne said to Channel 4 after the race was over. “I felt confident in the car, and had quite a good start. It was a bit messy at the start but I pretty much managed the situation and got away with it the best I could.”
Vandoorne was filling in for former Formula 1 world champion Alonso, who was denied the chance to drive this weekend after his massive crash in Australia.
He goes on to say to Channel 4, “Since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to be in F1. it’s not easy to just come in and do a good job.”
We can see why people in the paddock have tipped Vandoorne to be one of the next big stars, and he may get another chance to shine if Alonso is still not fit when the Chinese Grand Prix comes about.
