Stoffel Vandoorne does not think the struggles of his McLaren team will have a lasting impact on his Formula 1 career.
The former GP2 champion is enduring a difficult first full season in F1, as a lack of performance and reliability with the Honda power unit is severely impacting the British squad’s ability to race.
It also means the highly-rated Belgian has been largely unable to show what he can do, but Vandoorne is confident his past success will continue to speak for itself.
“I don’t think my career has been damaged by what’s happening here,” the 25-year-old said.
“In the past, I’ve been used to fighting for victories and championships, no matter in what series I was.
“Maybe it’s a different scenario this year, because we’re not in a position to fight for victories or the championship.”
Asked how the problems have impacted his approach to racing, Stoffel added:”That makes you think differently and work differently with the team and paying attention to details, pushing the team in different areas.
“Obviously that’s not a position you want to be in, as a driver. You want to be fighting for victories, for the best positions, so, hopefully there will be improvements soon and we’ll be in a position to do that.”