McLaren F1: Points will not decide between Button and Magnussen
Eric Boullier believes that the points scored in 2014 will not make the difference between Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen when choosing the driver who will likely team up with Fernando Alonso in 2015.
For *Autosport*, Éric Boullier spoke about Fernando Alonso’s likely future teammate. The Mayennais believes that Jenson Button is not certain to stay despite his ranking in the world championship compared to his teammate, Kevin Magnussen.
This year, Kevin Magnussen outqualified Jenson Button ten times. Despite this performance, the Danish driver was more discreet compared to Jenson Button in races, where he scored 55 points against the Briton’s 126.
At first glance at the ranking alone, Button might seem in a good position, but McLaren’s leaders haven’t yet decided who will accompany Fernando Alonso in 2015.
The Woking team should not delay much longer in making an announcement, with the date of December 1st having been hinted at. Eric Boullier believes Jenson Button would be an obvious choice but that other factors are also important: “If we had to rely solely on statistics, it would be very easy. I could take my calculator and make that decision, but it doesn’t work like that. I will not comment further as we have commented enough. There will be a statement from McLaren informing that a decision will be made, and it will be around December 1st. So please, be patient,” he declared.
According to Autosport, Ron Dennis would like to keep Kevin Magnussen because he represents the future for McLaren. Other executives believe that Jenson Button would be the ideal solution because Fernando Alonso would like to have him as a teammate.
If there is uncertainty about the future teammate of the Spaniard, there is a 3rd driver who could potentially be a contender for the vacant seat at McLaren, and that is Stoffel Vandoorne. However, this possibility was dismissed with a wave of the hand by the competition director. The young Belgian driver is expected to participate again in the GP2 championship: « I think Stoffel had an interesting year. Obviously, with 4 consecutive poles, he has made significant progress this year. Unfortunately, he is only the GP2 vice-champion, and I think finding the right opportunity at the right time in Formula 1 is challenging. I don’t think it will happen next year. So, it is very likely that he will stay in GP2 and aim to win the championship, » concluded the Frenchman.
