Former McLaren Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen says he’s ‘surprised’ by Stoffel Vandoorne’s miserable start to 2017.
Vandoorne on average has been 0.473s adrift of his McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso in qualifying and the pace gulf has only increased on Sundays.
Magnussen, who joined McLaren’s junior programme at the same time as the Belgian, is perplexed as to why Vandoorne is struggling so much.
“I don’t know why he is struggling,” said Magnussen who left McLaren at the end of 2015.
“He’s clearly not in his happy place because he wouldn’t be half a second off Fernando otherwise.
“I’m a bit surprised – he can be very good I’m sure. I guess I can relate a little bit.
“He also has a very good opportunity as he’s up against someone who is seen as one of the best in Formula 1.
“He has the opportunity to really show himself.
“I know he’s a very good driver and I know he can do it, but he’s struggling for different reasons but it can be very tough in his situation.”
Following his McLaren exit, Magnussen joined Renault for 2016 but felt neglected within the team and signed a two-year deal with Haas, giving the Dane some much-needed job security.
“It’s nice not having to talk about negative subjects like not being chosen for next year,” added Magnussen.
“It’s nice just focusing on racing and coming in with a positive mind, having something to look forward to.
“I can actually look forward to next year and build on that and build some targets and some goals for the future rather than trying to overachieve.
“I can go into races and enjoy and do what I do best – I’m in a very good place.”
Comments.
Loading comments…