In 2023, Stoffel Vandoorne joined the Peugeot TotalEnergies Team, initially as a reserve driver, then as a regular for 2024. The 31-year-old Belgian embodies the perfect balance between a passion for speed and a thoughtful approach to driving. With an impressive track record and diverse experience in the world of motorsport, Stoffel Vandoorne brings a wealth of expertise to the team. Discover the man behind the wheel, his first impressions of the Peugeot 9X8, and how he prepares for endurance racing. Immerse yourself in the world of this passionate driver, ready to take on new challenges and make racing history with Peugeot.

Born in Belgium in 1992, Stoffel Vandoorne already boasts a remarkable track record, including the title of Formula E World Champion in 2022 and competing in 41 Formula 1 Grands Prix. He made his endurance racing debut in 2019 in the LMP1(i) LMPs, or "Le Mans Prototypes", are racing cars known primarily for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.   category with the SMP Racing team, then in 2021 in LMP2 with the JOTA team. Currently a regular driver with DS Penske, a leading team in the Stellantis Motorsport group, his introduction to the Peugeot TotalEnergies team was an obvious choice.

Long before joining the team, Stoffel Vandoorne had already driven the 9X8 during private testing. When he slipped behind the wheel for the 6 Hours of Fuji to replace Nico Müller, he quickly felt at ease. "Hypercars are quite different from LMP1s and all the cars I'd driven before, they're heavier. The Peugeot 9X8 has a lot of aerodynamics, but you can feel the weight of the vehicle. It moves a bit in the corners and you have to adopt a particular driving style. Luckily, I've driven a lot of cars throughout my career, so it hasn't really bothered me."

For the average driver, it's hard to imagine what it's like to drive a model with 680 thermal hp and 272 electric hp, weighing in at just 1030 kg unladen. "For me, the real difference is in braking performance. It brakes very late, which is quite unusual under normal road conditions. There's also the gearshift in fast corners: the more you accelerate, the more downforce there is, and the better the car's grip. Of all the circuits, the one that gave me incomparable sensations at the wheel of the 9X8 was unquestionably Le Mans, with its Porsche curves."

While he enjoys the pleasures of speed on the racetrack,  Stoffel Vandoorne is a rather relaxed city driver. He doesn't feel the need to drive fast on the road, preferring to take his time and enjoy the scenery. "I particularly like the moment when I get home after a long journey. I take the road down from La Turbie to Monaco. It runs along the seafront, with sublime views and fine weather. And knowing that I'm coming home is always a good feeling."

For Stoffel Vandoorne, endurance racing requires a different mindset and preparation from Formula E: "Previously, for the sprint, I was alone in the car. Now, I have to work with a whole team of engineers and drivers, and deal with them all. Each of us has his own driving style. We have to compromise on the setup of the car, so that everyone feels at ease." Being in excellent physical shape is also essential. "We spend a lot of time in the car, and it's hot. Hydration and diet are paramount, which is why we are monitored by coaches and physiotherapists. This enables us to maintain the same level of energy throughout the race and not have any weaknesses."

Stoffel Vandoorne has been named an official driver for the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship. The season opens in March in Qatar, on the Lusail International Circuit. He's looking forward to getting back out on the track, and to helping his team achieve even better results than in the past. Let's wish him all the success he deserves!