Kevin Magnussen has taken to Twitter to confirm he will leave McLaren at the end of this season.
Having been demoted to test and reserve driver in 2015 following a year racing for the team last season, Magnussen said he would not be willing to wait for another year for a race seat. The possibility of returning to such a role with McLaren disappeared when Jenson Button was retained for 2016 ahead of the Russian Grand Prix.
With Magnussen now needing to find another race seat, he took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to confirm his departure and thank McLaren for his time there.
I want to say thank you to my friends at @McLarenF1. There are a lot of great people there. #GoodLuckGuys
— Kevin Magnussen (@KevinMagnussen) October 16, 2015
Shame it didn't work out but I'll #NeverGiveUpOnTheDream. #OneTarget #WatchThisSpace
— Kevin Magnussen (@KevinMagnussen) October 16, 2015
F1i understands Magnussen is only in contact with Lotus over a potential seat next season, with his chances set to increase if Renault completes a takeover of the team.
GP2 champion Stoffel Vandoorne is expected to be promoted to replace Magnussen as McLaren's test and reserve driver next season.
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