Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

Magnussen approached by other F1 teams

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Kevin Magnussen has been approached by other F1 teams interested in signing him for 2016 as his McLaren future remains uncertain.

After an impressive debut season for McLaren last year, Magnussen was replaced by Fernando Alonso ahead of Honda's return as power unit supplier this year. A tough season for the team has placed further emphasis on the experience of Alonso and team-mate Jenson Button, with Button waiting to see if it will take up an option on his contract for next season.

If Button is retained, Magnussen will be left without a race seat at McLaren for the second season running and he told F1i during an exclusive interview he has been approached by other teams.

“Yes we can say other [F1] teams have reached out, it’s no secret," Magnussen said. "So I do think I still have a future.

“You can always talk to people. It is quite sensitive … Not many, but some interesting ones. There aren’t many Formula One teams available actually - some interesting ones.

“I wouldn’t say it surprised me [to be approached]. I obviously hope that I can continue my career with McLaren but that might not be possible and if it isn’t possible then I need to continue racing. I’m a racing driver and I need to race, that’s what I do. McLaren will understand and help me continue my career if there isn’t a space at McLaren. So I feel quite positive about my future.”

However, Magnussen insists his preference is to remain with McLaren and he is willing to wait for the team to make a decision on his future.

“You keep doors open and just stay connected. I’m with McLaren, I’m contracted to McLaren. They might wish to continue, they might not, but before they take a decision I can’t really do anything. So I’m patiently waiting for them.”

Kevin Magnussen exclusive interview: New doors opening in F1

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.