Stoffel Vandoorne unveils the daily realities of being Aston Martin’s reserve driver, blending simulation prep and strategic team support.
It’s easy to forget, but Stoffel Vandoorne is still an F1 driver—more specifically, one of Aston Martin F1’s reserve drivers.
What does this shadow role actually entail? Far from being a mere nominal position, as the Belgian explained to his team’s official website, it reveals much about the daily life of a reserve and simulator driver.
“I start the race week in the simulator at AMR’s technology campus. The team uses it to set up the baseline for the upcoming Grand Prix, and when there’s a back-to-back schedule, we also conduct correlation work based on the previous race to compare collected data with simulator outputs,” Stoffel Vandoorne explained.
The simulator plays a crucial role in preparation but cannot replace on-track experience, the team emphasized—a point echoed by the former McLaren F1 driver.
“Since the races come in quick succession and we travel extensively, I don’t spend much time in the simulator during race weeks. We have to maximize the time we do have,” he said.
“We try to establish a solid baseline in terms of setup and configuration, which can then be fine-tuned once track action begins. As a team, we already have a good idea of what’s needed on different circuits; for example, a very low-downforce setup for Monza or a high-downforce one for the Hungaroring. This allows us to start forming a picture of how the AMR24 might perform during any given weekend by applying these parameters.”
“Nothing replaces the car on track, and it’s only then that fine adjustments can be made, like rear wing levels, front wing angles, ride heights, and much more. The simulator also allows me to prepare in case I need to step in for Lance or Fernando.”
On Thursdays, Stoffel Vandoorne is also involved in meetings with Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, as if he were a full-time race driver.
“We also have our first engineering meetings of the weekend. I attend everything that Lance and Fernando do because I need to be as informed as they are in case I’m suddenly called to drive.”
“The Thursday meeting is typically a presentation from the engineers to the drivers, covering all the main lessons learned from the previous year’s race at this circuit, a review of the last race, and any new details about the track we’re at.”
Even during the practice sessions, Stoffel Vandoorne remains in the Aston Martin F1 garage, primarily in a listening role.
“During the two free practice sessions, I listen to Lance and Fernando, either over the radio or when they’re in the garage, to hear their feedback. At this stage, I’m mostly listening, as they are the ones driving and providing as much information as possible to the engineers.”
“Once Friday’s sessions are over, the engineers take some time to analyze and understand everything that happened during the day. Later in the evening, they give us a debrief.”
A quieter role from Saturday
On Saturday, one might assume Stoffel Vandoorne’s schedule becomes a bit more relaxed, but is that really the case?
“Much of Saturday’s focus is on fine-tuning the car’s setup ahead of qualifying.”
“The final practice session is usually dedicated to low-fuel runs so the drivers can get a good sense of how the car will behave in qualifying. Once qualifying starts, there isn’t much time to think—it all comes down to quick decisions from the engineer and driver.”
“After qualifying, we discuss strategy and objectives, but without going into too much detail—this is reserved for Sunday.”
Sunday morning is largely dedicated to race strategy, Stoffel Vandoorne explains, as his role appears to become more secondary, though he can still contribute at times.
“Race day begins with an in-depth strategy meeting in the morning.”
“Although my role technically ends after qualifying, I remain attentive during the race in case I can assist the team. I listen to radio communications between the drivers and their engineers, and if I notice something like a potential safety car risk, I point it out as it could influence strategic decisions.”
“After the checkered flag, we have a final trackside debrief to reflect on our race and compare how our package performed against the competition.”
Stoffel Vandoorne’s role regains prominence on Monday, during the technical race debrief at Aston Martin F1’s base near the Silverstone circuit.
“After the race weekend, we can conduct a final debrief at AMR’s technology campus, using the simulator for correlation work and final reflections once the dust has settled after the Grand Prix, depending on the time available.”
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Inside Vandoorne’s Role: Aston Martin’s Reserve Driver Duties Inside Vandoorne’s Role: Aston Martin’s Reserve Driver Duties
