2015 GP2 champion, Stoffel Vandoorne, who is currently contesting Super Formula in Japan, is determined to line-up on the 2017 F1 grid, having had his first real taste earlier this season when he stood in for Fernando Alonso in Bahrain and scored a world championship point on his debut.

However, with McLaren admitting that it is not willing to make a decision on whether to retain Jenson Button for an eighth season until September, Vandoorne is getting anxious and admits that he intends to be on the grid next year, whether it is with McLaren or not.

"I am contracted to McLaren and I really want to be with this team next year," he said during testing at Silverstone, "I've spent a lot of time here with the engineers and I feel like we've really been through the perfect preparation.

"There's really not much more I can do, I just need to get the drive," he continued. "I've been pushing for this for a long time and hopefully things work out. I've done all the preparation I could do, I've even done a first Grand Prix now so, yes, in 2017 I have to be on the grid.

"I would love to race for this team," he added, "but, if for some reasons, which I don't know, it doesn't become possible then I'm positive that there are other options available.

"I feel very positive about next year, I feel confident I will be in a car so hopefully a decision comes sooner rather than later."

Whilst the team insists that a decision won't be made until September, our little birdie tells us that Button will still be with McLaren in 2017... albeit in GT racing.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by ClarkwasGod, 14/07/2016 14:32

"Well if that last paragraph is correct, were I Button, I'd be arranging alternative employment and politely informing McLaren "Thank you, but no. Goodbye". He's more than good enough (and still has enough years) to be snapped up by a top WEC P1H team, which is where I wish he'd gone at the end of last year."

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2. Posted by vectis, 14/07/2016 11:34

" mercedes will have real competition next year so need a second driver who neither cracks under pressure nor gets a rush of blood to the head ...both of which rosberg does

button for a year would be ideal for a year while wehrlein shows if he is ready to step up "

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Vandoorne hints at alternative to McLaren

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