Stoffel Vandoorne is not only known as a Formula E champion but as a former Formula 1 driver as well.
Vandoorne’s Career: Feeder series, F1 and FE
Stoffel Vandoorne was born in 1992 in Kortrijk, Belgium. He made his karting debut at age six and entered the single-seater world in 2010. During his rookie season, Vandoorne won the French F4 championship.
The Belgian moved to Eurocup Formula Renault one year later. Vandoorne took part in two seasons of the category, winning the title during his second year.
In 2013, he raced in Formula Renault 3.5, coming second at the end of the season. The title went to Kevin Magnussen. Vandoorne was then selected by the McLaren junior team.
Vandoorne raced in GP2 in 2014, signing with ART. He collected four victories and eleven podiums, finishing the season in second place. Vandoorne remained in GP2 the following year.
In 2015, the Belgian won the Drivers’ title. Vandoorne succeeded in the first four races, obtaining four victories. During the rest of the season, Vandoorne conquered three other victories. He dominated the season, collecting 341.5 points. Alexander Rossi, in second place, had 181.5 points.
Vandoorne’s Journey in F1
Vandoorne signed with McLaren as the third driver in 2014. He made his F1 debut in 2016, taking part in the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Belgian replaced an injured Fernando Alonso. He finished tenth, obtaining one point.
McLaren chose him as its official driver for the 2017, with Vandoorne racing alongside Alonso. It wasn’t an easy season for the papaya team and Vandoorne scored his first points in the 11th round. He finished the season in P16 with 13 points.
The Belgian driver re-signed with McLaren for the 2018 season. He reached the points zone on four occasions, obtaining 12 points. He concluded the year in 16th place for a second consecutive season. Vandoorne was replaced for the 2019 season by the rookie Lando Norris.
From 2020 to 2023, Vandoorne was Mercedes’ third driver. He eventually left the team to become McLaren and Aston Martin’s test driver.
Vandoorne’s Experience in FE
After leaving Formula 1, Vandoorne joined Formula E. He took part in Season 5 with HWA Racelab. He obtained his first podium at the Rome E-Prix. The Belgian finished his first year in FE in 16th place.
Vandoorne switched to Mercedes for Season 6. He started the year with a double podium in Diriyah, coming third in both races. Vandoorne won his first FE race at the end of the season, crossing the finish line before everyone else in Berlin. He ended the season as vice-campion.
He remained with Mercedes for Season 7. It was a rough year for the Belgian, who finished the season in ninth place. Vandoorne collected three podiums during the year, winning the Rome E-Prix.
Vandoorne signed with Mercedes for a third year. Season 8 began positively, with Vandoorne coming second in Diriyah. The Belgian returned to the podium in Rome, where he finished third.
The Belgian won the Monaco E-Prix, his only victory for the season and his last success in FE. Vandoorne collected a double podium in Berlin and finished second both in New York and London. He obtained another silver medal in Seoul.
With 213 points, he won the Season 8 Drivers’ Title.
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The Past Three Years
At the end of Season 8, Mercedes left Formula E. Vandoorne switched to DS Penske. A fourth-place finish in Jakarta was his best result of Season 9. The Belgian concluded the year in 11th place in the standings.
Stoffel remained with DS Penske for another season. Vandoorne returned to the podium in Monaco, finishing the E-Prix in third position. At the end of Season 10, he was 10th in the championship.
After Season 10, Vandoorne left DS Penske, switching to Maserati. He debuted in Season 11 with the Italian-Monegasque team, finishing tenth during the first race.
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