Stoffel Vandoorne to be Mercedes reserve driver

Former McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne will combine his duties in Formula E with the role as Mercedes reserve driver. The rumour surfaced earlier today but the man himself has now confirmed the news on Twitter.

Vandoorne made his debut at the 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix where he finished tenth, scoring one point as he replaced Fernando Alonso. The following season he stepped up to drive for McLaren full time, but was replaced by Lando Norris for 2019 and moved to Formula E.

The Belgian driver moved to HWA Racelab for his debut season in Formula E but joined Mercedes-Benz EQ for their first season in the all-electric series. He currently leads the Drivers' Championship despite finishing no higher than third in any of the three races so far.

He'll combine his role in Formula E as Mercedes' reserve driver following the departure of Esteban Ocon to Renault. He'll share the role with Esteban Gutierrez who has been working with Mercedes for the last two years.