Inside the F1 driver’s bubble: Stoffel Vandoorne explains his role as a Formula 1 reserve driver

Modern Formula 1 teams are huge companies with hundreds of employees all working hard to try to be the best in the sport. But within these vast organisations there are the teams within a team – the small cadre of people centred around helping each driver perform at their maximum.

Formula 1.com is delving into those bubbles to gain a greater understanding of the lives of those who work closely with the stars of F1. This week Stoffel Vandoorne, former McLaren racer and now Aston Martin Aramco reserve driver, provides an insight into the life of a reserve driver.

The third goalkeeper, the unused substitute, the benchwarmer – there are roles in sport in which athletes have to remain on standby but might never actually participate in active competition.