Boullier convinced that Magnussen will return to F1 in 2016
Kevin Magnussen will no longer be on the F1 grids in 2015, relegated to a role as third driver for McLaren-Honda, but Eric Boullier is convinced that the Dane will have a good chance of returning to Formula 1 in 2016.

After making his debut in Formula 1 with McLaren this year, Kevin Magnussen was not retained as a main driver for the 2015 season, which marks the reformation of the legendary McLaren-Honda duo. The Dane will thus serve as a reserve driver.
But Eric Boullier, the sporting director of the Woking team, believes that this behind-the-scenes role can allow him to continue his learning, as he stated, quoted by Sky Sports F1: « There are a lot of emotions because we can understand that he is disappointed not to be racing next year. The best we can offer him is to be part of the family. The McLaren-Honda project is huge, there is enough room for him to continue learning, especially from these two drivers [Alonso and Button], by being present at the races. »
The Frenchman hopes to help Magnussen by giving him time in an F1 car, even if he’s not sure if it will be feasible: « I don’t know if we can give him the chance sometimes to do tests – maybe – so that he stays in touch with race cars. I’m also convinced that by gaining this experience, he will become better. He had a very good year, as a rookie he did a very good job, and there’s no reason he can’t return to F1 in some time. »
Alonso and Button being tied by multi-year contracts, Magnussen could potentially be placed by McLaren in another F1 team in 2016, as Eric Boullier stated: « There might be a possibility, but there have been no discussions on the matter for now. But Kevin clearly has all our support. He has more chances than anyone else to be on the waiting list to be in F1 in 2016. »