It’s Very Disappointing to Finish the Race Like That – Vandoorne

McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne was left wondering what could have been when he has a DNF in Hungary. However, he maintained a positive vibe, saying that it was a good sign that things are “back to normal” for him.

After weeks of struggling, Vandoorne reverted to an older chassis ahead of the Hungarian GP. Upon investigation, McLaren failed to detect any issue with the previous chassis. But Vandoorne insisted that something was wrong from Silverstone onwards.

Fortunately, the change paid off in Hungary as both McLarens were inside the points. Sadly, Vandoorne’s good fortune ran out as a gearbox problem ended his race.

But he still feels that the weekend produced plenty of positives that everything was falling in place. He confessed that it felt good on a personal level as the pace was back to where it had been.

The Belgian was understandably disappointed to finish the race in that manner. Both cars had great starts despite being further down the grid than they liked. But a decent opening lap resulted in them getting into the points.

Some of the positives include good tyre management and pace. Their gamble to go long and perform an overcut rewarded them handsomely. They leapfrogged a number of cars, not doubt aided by a very wide Force India of Esteban Ocon. Overall, the team executed a great strategy.

“On a personal note, I can be happy. It’s just a shame we couldn’t finish it off with double points scoring. It definitely hurts not to finish with points.”

Both McLarens were running 8th and 9th, with Alonso ahead of Vandoorne. Alonso managed to reach the finish in 8th ahead of Carlos Sainz and Romain Grosjean. Now, after some R&R, both drivers will be eager to resume the battle once again, this time in Spa. Vandoorne in particular will be hoping for a good show in front of his home fans