Stoffel Vandoorne: « I hope that we will win some trophies with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies”

Stoffel Vandoorne, 2023 reserve driver for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies was appointed official driver for the 2024 FIA WEC season. The Belgian driver had a busy season keeping up with duties for PEUGEOT, with DS Penske in Formula E as well as in F1 with Aston Martin as reserve and development driver. Stoffel talked us through his busy season and his future with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies.

2023 was quite a busy season for you, Reserve Driver for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies where you participated in your first race at the 6H Fuji back in November, Formula E with DS Penske…how did it go?

“This year was a busy one, but I like to keep busy, with several programmes rather than spending too much time at home, even if it’s nice! I like to be active and to be a part of several projects; this season, I had a lot of opportunities with my arrival within Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, in Formula E with my first season with DS Penske and finally in F1 with Aston Martin. It was not always easy, I had to fit in several teams, get to know different procedures…everything is a bit different according to the championship you are racing in. This year was positive for me, I got along with all the teams, and this will help me in the future I think.”

You have been announced as Official Driver for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for the FIA WEC 2024 season, how does it feel?

“It’s great! I always wanted to come back in WEC. I had my first taste of the championship back in 2019 in LMP1 and then in 2021 I did a full season in LMP2, it’s a championship I really like. Even more now when I see where it’s going, and all the manufacturers entered. Some of the best drivers in the world will be on the grid next season and my goal was to be part of it, with a manufacturer, in the main class to try to win an overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This is, I think, the race that everyone wants to win once. I hope that with PEUGEOT, that have already won Le Mans several times, we will have the opportunity to get that win together.”

How do you feel at the wheel of the PEUGEOT 9X8 and in the team?

“I had the opportunity this year to do some private tests, to do the 6 Hours of Fuji as well as the rookie test in Bahrain back in November, so I know the car quite well now. I have to start working toward 2024 and for that I need to be able to give directions to the team and work with the guys before the beginning of the season. I know all the drivers and I get along with all of them. I had the chance to drive at Fuji with Loïc and Gustavo and even if Gustavo won’t be there anymore next season, I think it’s important to have a nice atmosphere in the team, to work better and be stronger. I think it will also be one of my goals next season.”

What are your expectations for 2024 in FIA WEC?

“It’s hard to say, I don’t know exactly where we will be in terms of competition and performance. From the outside, the 2023 season was not easy, and I hope that we will be able to make a step forward, that is the goal for everyone in the team. We have to show that we are working in the right direction and doing the right development on the car.”