Vandoorne: There is a great deal of pressure on McLaren

McLaren were the only Honda-powered outfit in Formula 1 for the past three years in which they never had another team to compare themselves with. It was a woeful period for the illustrious outfit and last year perhaps the worst of the spell.

From 2018 onward, with Renault power, it will be an interesting exercise to see where the Woking outfit are in the pecking order with Red Bull and the Renault works teams as benchmarks.

Vandoorne explained, "In 2018, there is a great deal of pressure on McLaren because we are up against proper reference points, like Red Bull, who won races last season, Renault also has good results, the pressure is there but it is positive and we need it to progress."

"[Last week] I had my first day on the simulator at the factory with the engineers, I had my first feeling with the 2018 car and we were able to discuss a lot about it. The change will be great for us and everyone is very motivated to start testing and see what it will deliver on track. In Barcelona, we will know a little more how the season will unfold."

With regards to last season, Vandoorne is focusing on the positives, "I was able to get to know my team, my engineers and many circuits during my first year in F1. I also learned, with an excellent teammate like Fernando Alonso, how to adapt to a car that is not necessarily more efficient or manage problems during the season. I also I learned how to properly manage a grand prix weekend."

But he is aware that his stellar reputation, before 2017 began in March, had taken something of a pounding by November, "I still have to work to be able to put together a solid weekend or to better understand the car. The speed is there: if I put all the points together, we will be strong."

"We have not yet set a goal for the next season. Although my point of reference is Fernando, I will focus mainly on myself and my driving. Results in 2017 were not what I expected, but now a year later I am much stronger for the new season," added Vandoorne.