McLaren: Boullier wants a stable driver duo in 2015, Vandoorne feels ready

Éric Boullier stated that the McLaren team might renew its driver duo for 2015, which would mean that Kevin Magnussen and Jenson Button are in danger. The 2015 season will see the return of engine supplier Honda replacing the Mercedes engine, and it has been apparent for several months now that Honda would like to have a say in the choice of one of the drivers to brighten the return of the McLaren/Honda partnership.

Jenson Button arrived at McLaren in 2010 from Brawn GP while Kevin Magnussen made his debut this year with his best result being a second place in Australia. While both drivers are currently being retained, McLaren is considering other options such as Fernando Alonso and also McLaren’s test driver Stoffel Vandoorne.

« We are working on a strategy for our duo of drivers for the coming years. For me it is important to speak of years because we are looking for three years or maybe five. It’s true that with Ron [Dennis] back since January and myself as a newcomer to the team we asked for a bit of time, but we can afford it this time, even if it’s an uncomfortable situation for my drivers, which I understand. We must put the team’s priorities first, » Boullier said at a press conference, as quoted by F1zone.

However, Éric Boullier was keen to congratulate the efforts made by Button and Magnussen so far: « They have driven better than we could have hoped for. First of all, we didn’t give them a good enough car, and of course, the worse the car is, the harder it is to drive. We are now trying to bring performance as quickly as we can. In terms of driving, I think both drivers have done a very good job. Kevin secured a podium in his first race and then went through several experiences which are part of the learning process. In Jenson’s case, he is a great professional and delivered everything he could extract from the car. »

In the pool of drivers who can be signed by McLaren, the English team does not rule out selecting from its pool of young drivers and thus signing Stoffel Vandoorne, the test driver for the Woking team. Having finished second in the first GP2 race held at Spa, the Belgian driver has reportedly convinced Éric Boullier of his potential for the 2015 season.

« It’s a little too early to make a decision. I think that if you need to go to F1, you have to feel ready and I’m happy that he feels ready. He also has to seize the opportunity to reach F1, but not under any conditions. We are currently evaluating all the options. I think continuing in GP2 is one of them, he still needs to learn more about GP2, secure more victories and obviously fight for the championship, » explains the Frenchman.

Eric Boullier highlights the quality of work provided by the Belgian hopeful in GP2: « He is doing a good job for his first year. You can see very clear progress over the last races. He is really focused and I am happy to see the results he is getting there, but it’s too early to plan things, so everything is open » he admits.

Stoffel Vandoorne confirmed to Autosport that he felt fully ready for the world of F1: « I feel ready. I’ve done a year in World Series [in Formula Renault 3.5], I’m in my second year of promotional formula and currently in GP2, and on top of that, I’ve been able to test the McLaren this year. You really progress every year, especially this year. It’s probably the season where I’m most involved in the technical aspect, which is very important with all the changes in Formula 1. The GP2 car is complex with the tires, which is similar to F1, as well as the car settings. It’s a good preparatory championship for F1. »