Formula One team McLaren have announced that Stoffel Vandoorne will leave the British outfit at the end of the season.
Vandoorne’s departure could pave the way for McLaren’s reserve driver Lando Norris to take his place next year.
Norris, the 18-year-old Englishman, has taken part in practice at the last two races in Belgium and Italy for McLaren.
“I’m very grateful to McLaren for investing their faith in me over the past five years,” Vandoorne said.
“I intend to give it my all for the remaining seven races of this season, and will announce my plans for next season in due course.”
Vandoorne, 26, replaced Jenson Button at McLaren for the 2017 campaign.
But despite a steady opening season in Formula One, he has been desperately out of sorts in recent races and has been beaten in qualifying by teammate Fernando Alonso at every round this term.
Vandoorne was last on the grid for Sunday’s Italian grand prix before he took the chequered flag in 12th.