Vandoorne returns to Formula 1 at Spa for Pirelli tests
Aston Martin's Belgian driver will drive the AMR24 for the first time at Pirelli's two-day tire test at Spa-Francorchamps, two days after the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Stoffel Vandoorne, former McLaren driver and current test and reserve driver for Aston Martin, is preparing to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. The 32-year-old Belgian will take part in the Pirelli tests organized after the Belgian Grand Prix on Tuesday, July 30 and Wednesday, July 31, aboard the AMR24. These tests will allow him to drive this season’s car after many hours spent in the Silverstone team’s simulator.
Vandoorne is already looking forward to this opportunity: “I can’t wait to drive the AMR24 for the first time next week at Spa. It’s always a special feeling to be back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, and even more special to do it at my home circuit. During these official tests, we will be using different tire compounds and structures in order to provide feedback to Pirelli.”
This return to the wheel is all the more significant as it takes place in Belgium, Vandoorne’s home country. After being a reserve driver for Mercedes between 2019 and 2022, he had to leave McLaren at the end of the 2018 season after 42 starts. During his reserve years, Vandoorne took part in numerous tests for Racing Point and McLaren, both customer teams of the German manufacturer, before joining the Formula E championship where he became champion in 2022 with Mercedes.
In addition to his role as reserve driver, the Belgian also competes in the WEC championship with Peugeot. He hopes that these two days of testing at Spa-Francorchamps will enable Aston Martin to gather as much information as possible about the future tires of 2025. The Spa circuit, over 7 km long, will provide Aston Martin with a variety of valuable data.
« With high and low-speed turns, the track provides a useful diversity of data points, and there are generally good chances of driving in the rain. »
These tests are crucial for Aston Martin, which is looking to prepare well for the upcoming season. The team is experiencing a mixed start to the season compared to 2023, when Fernando Alonso achieved six podium finishes in the first eight race weekends. It should be noted that the Alpine team will also be present during these two days of testing with Australian driver Jack Doohan behind the wheel. No information has been released regarding the tires that will be used.
