Stoffel Vandoorne is brac🐲ing himself for a “steep lea🍌rning curve” during his debut season in Formula E, following his Formula 1 exit.

Vandoorne, who will be replaced at McLaren by Lando Norris for 2019, has joined the Mercedes-affiliat﷽ed HWA Racelab Formula E squad for the 2018/19 season alongside newly-crowned DTM champion Gary Paffett.

The Belgian is expecting a tough start to life in Formula E but is confident both hꦯe and teammate Paffett can help one another during their respective maiden campaigns in the all-electric series.

“Although we are all newbies to the series, I have no do🃏ub🦋t that we will have a steep learning curve. It won’t be easy,” Vandoorne said.

“My objective is therefore to become competitive in the series as soon as possible and to makeꦡ a good impression.

“Also it’s great to w✨o𒈔rk alongside such an experienced driver as Gary [Paffett]. I am pretty sure that we will benefit from each other during the season.”

Vandoorne thanked t🌊he support he received during his spell at McLaren and believes he has become a better driver despite a difficult two-year spell in F1 amid the Woking outfit’s recent struggles.

“I would like to thank everyone at McLaren for having supported me tꦬhroughout th🐼e last seven years, starting with the Young Drivers’ Programme days, through to my two seasons as a test driver and finally, as a Formula 1 driver.

“Over these fantastic years I have met incredibly skilled and caring people who have mad💦e me feel part of the family, I have learned about discipline, tricks and patience and I am proud to say, today I am a better driver.”

Vandoorne was restricted to just 10 laps on the first d🌊ay of Formula E pre-season testing at Valencia as he ended up 18th in the timesheets after battery issues hampered his Venturi-powered car throughout🐈 the day.