Vandoorne lands Aston Martin test and reserve driver role

Stoffel Vandoorne will join Aston Martin as a test and reserve driver for the 2023 Formula One season.

The Formula E champion will share duties along with F2 champion Felipe Drugovich, raising doubts over the future of Nico Hulkenberg.

German Hulkenberg, Aston Martin's current reserve driver, has been linked with a move to Haas.

Vandoorne, who made 41 Grand Prix starts or McLaren from 2016 to 2018, will continue driving for the DS Penske Formula E team for the 2022/23 season.

"It is incredibly exciting to be stepping into a reserve-driver role in Formula One – and I'm delighted to be doing it with Aston Martin,” said 30-year-old Belgian Vandoorne.

"I've watched with great interest how the team has developed and expanded operationally, and I know how incredibly determined it is to make progress in every area.

"Joining Fernando [Alonso], who I already know from my Formula One racing career, and Lance [Stroll], to help them develop and improve next year's car will be a terrific job.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge – and reward – of working together with the whole organisation at Silverstone."

Welcome to the team, @svandoorne. Formula E champion Stoffel Vandoorne enhances the 2023 @AstonMartinF1 driver line-up by joining @FelipeDrugovich as a test and reserve driver. Tap below for the full story.

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) November 1, 2022