Landing the Fortec seat that took rising star Robin Frijns to the 2012 FR3.5 title was already a good sign for Stoffel Vandoorne. Then McLaren took him under its wing. Peter Mills tells Vandoorne's story so far

Just a week ago, Stoffel Vandoorne was pondering the potential for drivers to attract Formula 1-entry levels of career momentum by fast-tracking through the junior ranks.

The 20-year-old had been referring in large part to the textbook progress of former Formula Renault 2.0 sparring partner Robin Frijns, who took a bow at the recent Sauber Formula 1 launch.

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