McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne is aware that his seat in F1 is in danger. However, he is “100 percent” sure that his short-term future at McLaren is safe. He dismissed suggestions that he could be replaced for next week’s Italian Grand Prix.

As of now, Vandoorne is fighting to remain at McLaren in 2019 as evaluations continue for reserve driver Lando Norris. Either of the two will partner the already-confirmed Carlos Sainz in the team.

Other drivers linked to the seat are Mercedes junior Esteban Ocon. Rumours suggest that a driver merry-go-round could be triggered as early as next week’s race at Monza.

Speaking about his chances of racing at Monza for McLaren, Vandoorne said: “I don’t have any doubt.

“I think these days there’s always a lot of rumours and a lot of question marks in the press but from my side I’m 100 percent confident.

“The only thing I can do is to focus on my job and I think I’ve shown that I’m very, very close to Fernando.

“I think some of your colleagues have made up some statistics to show how close teammates have been with Fernando and I think I’ve been pretty much right up there.”

Compared to his more experienced teammate, Vandoorne has had a difficult two seasons. He has eight points compared to his teammate’s 44 this year. Last season, Alonso only outscored him 17-13.

The Belgian enjoyed a turnaround in form in Hungary prior to the summer break, benefitting from a change of chassis.

Vandoorne said: “I think the only thing I have in my own control is the performances on track.

“I know I had a difficult run of races before Hungary with the problems we had on the car but then we showed that everything was back to normal in Hungary.

“So, I’m very confident for the next couple of races that the results are going to be back to where they belong.

“It’s still not going to be a miracle in the position we are in at the moment but I’m feeling positive.”

If he loses his McLaren drive, Vandoorne’s chances appear limited to teams like Toro Rosso and Sauber.