Stoffel Vandoorne adds flame to Stellantis Formula E fire: 'I have a contract'

Stoffel Vandoorne has revealed to RacingNews365 ahead of this weekend's Berlin E-Prix that he has a Stellantis Formula E contract for next season, despite recent signings. 

It was recently revealed by The Race that Nick Cassidy is likely to join Stellantis, whilst the Penske organisation had snapped up McLaren's Taylor Barnard on a multi-year deal.

It has created a situation of six drivers jostling over four seats, although three of those appear to be settled. 

Cassidy, Barnard and Maximilian Günther look set to hold three of the four Stellantis seats for Season 12, with the other seat between Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne. 

It has been rumoured that Maserati's Jake Hughes is searching for a new team. To add to the difficult situation surrounding who will get the Stellantis seats, Vandoorne has confirmed he still has a contract for another season.

"I have a contract for next year," Vandoorne told RacingNews365. "So, yeah, I would say, unfortunately, that's up to Stellantis to come up with a solution where I'll drive next year. 

"So yeah, at the moment, I can't really say much more. Obviously, there's a lot of change happening within the group. And yeah, I don't really know exactly where that's heading. All I know is that I've got a contract."

As of yet, the Season 8 world champion is yet to be informed by Stellantis on what the plan is for the seats next season, leaving the Belgian in the dark.

When pushed on whether he will drive one of the Stellantis-powered cars next season, Vandoorne reiterated: "Well, as far as I'm aware, I have a contract. 

"So, they're obviously having to give me some sort of a drive. So where that will be, I don't know yet. But, yeah, that's kind of what everyone is trying to figure out at the moment."

Vandoorne remaining 'loyal'

In addition to racing for Stellantis under the Maserati name in FE, Vandoorne also represents Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship – another Stellantis-owned brand.

Vandoorne confirmed he is yet to hold serious talks with other teams due to wanting to remain loyal to Stellantis, and see out his current FE deal.

Asked if conversations with other teams are taking place, Vandoorne revealed: "Not really, to be fair, because I'm in a position where I'm contracted to one party, so it's kind of up to them to tell me what the situation is before I can really go to speak with someone else.

"And I've been with them for a couple of years now. I've been loyal to them. I've tried to be as good as possible with them, with Formula E, with the WEC side as well.

"So yeah, obviously it's kind of up to them to give me a full picture of the situation."