Magnussen in contact with multiple teams
Having become a test driver for McLaren Honda, Kevin Magnussen is reportedly in contact with other teams. If he does not become a main driver in 2016, he will move to another category of motorsport.
During the 2013 season, the Danish driver won the Formula Renault 3.5 Championship, just ahead of Stoffel Vandoorne. This earned him a seat at McLaren, replacing Sergio Perez. After a good season with McLaren Mercedes, the Danish driver was demoted to a test driver role in favor of Jenson Button, who joined Fernando Alonso.
However, he was able to take part in the Australian Grand Prix in the McLaren Honda due to Fernando Alonso’s accident during winter testing. Unfortunately, he was unable to start the race due to technical problems with his car. For the next season, Jan Magnussen’s son has one goal: to become a main driver for McLaren Honda again. According to Motorsport, other teams have shown interest in the Danish driver, notably Force India and Lotus via Renault. He was also on the short-list for Haas F1 Team.
In any case, he wishes to become a regular driver again for 2016: « It’s a difficult situation for me, not being in the race this year and I can assure you that I will do everything to become a regular driver again next year. Whether with McLaren or elsewhere, I will do everything to race in 2016 ».
According to him, if in 2016 he does not become a regular driver again, then it will be very difficult to return to F1 for the 2017 season: « Never say never », but if I am not a regular driver for 2016, I will try my luck in another category and I am sure I could thrive. However, F1 remains my priority and nothing else».
Having become a test driver, Kévin Magnussen maintains the same pace as a regular driver: « It is very tough to stand out when you are not racing. It’s delicate, but I make sure to maintain the same pace as a regular driver, especially during training. I am always close to the team and the engineers, and I take part in public relations and communication operations. For now, I can’t do anything more ».
He is therefore clearly visible during the Meet the team operations, where the executives and main drivers make themselves available for Q&A sessions with the press during race weekends.
