McLaren has announced that Stoffel Vandoorne will not be driving for the team for the 2019 Formula 1 season.
Vandoorne has had two seasons with McLaren alongside team-mate Fernando Alonso, with a best finishing position of seventh.
His replacement is yet to be confirmed, with Esteban Ocon, Sergio Perez, Lando Norris and Kimi Raikkonen all rumoured to be linked to the seat.
“We’re immensely thankful for Stoffel’s dedication, hard work and commitment during his time at McLaren,” McLaren CEO Zak Brown said.
“He’s a talented racing driver with an incredible list of accolades in his junior career.
“We’re proud to have played a part in his break into Formula 1, from his role as test driver to his fantastic points-scoring debut in Bahrain in 2016.
“It’s clear we haven’t provided Stoffel with the tools to show his true talent, but throughout our relationship he’s proved to be a fantastic team player.
“His work ethic is impressive, he has a great reputation within the team and we’ve really enjoyed working with him.
“For now, we look to the future and to the remaining grands prix in 2018, where I know both Stoffel and Fernando will be pushing hard to fight for as many points as possible before we close the curtain on this season.
“We wish Stoffel all the best in whatever direction he chooses to take next in his career, and we’ll be supporting him all the way.
“We will announce our full driver line-up for the 2019 season in due course.”
Vandoorne, whose time at McLaren has fallen at a difficult time for the team, has struggled to display the pace he was known for in his junior career, but has thanked McLaren for their support.
“I’m very grateful to McLaren for investing their faith in me over the past five years,” Vandoorne said.
“While we haven’t achieved the success we’d all hoped for, I’ve really enjoyed the past two seasons racing for McLaren and I have a great relationship with everyone in the team.
“My time at McLaren has been a great chapter in my career and I’m thankful for the opportunity the team, Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa and Mansour Ojjeh have given me to gain valuable Formula 1 experience and develop as a driver.
“I intend to give it my all for the remaining seven races of this season, and will announce my plans for next season in due course.”
