Magnussen won’t delay contract talks

Dropped to a test driver role by McLaren late in 2014, Kevin Magnussen says he’s going to sort out his contract with Renault sooner rather than later.

Magnussen was unable to find a 2015 race-seat after a late decision by McLaren to drop him after one year of racing in favour of Jenson Button.

The Dane, back in action with Renault, is determined to ensure that doesn’t happen again.

Asked about his contract situation, he told F1i.com: “It’s something I want to get it done as soon as possible.

“There will be some talks at some point. I hope it’s not going to be… I am not going to let it be as late as in 2014.

“I’m surely not seeing myself without a drive next year so I’m not too worried. It’s going to be fine.”

The Dane also weighed in on Renault’s disappointing season which has yielded just six points in nine race weekends.

Explaining what is going on, he said: “Many people have left, part of the factories have been rented out to companies, machines in the factory have not been updated for a long time.

“The main thing is just not having enough people. The people that we are trying to get are now under contract so these contracts need to be finished before they join. And then these people then need to settle down.

“It’s going to take a long time and we have to accept that and try and prepare as many things as possible now.”