Magnussen would ‘love to race for Haas’

Editor

His name is already in the hat for a seat at Haas F1, and Kevin Magnussen admits he won't turn the chance down should things not work out McLaren.

Having made his Formula 1 debut with McLaren during the 2014 season, Magnussen has been forced to spend this season on the sidelines after the team opted to replace him with two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.

Although he remains on the Woking-based squad's books as a reserve driver, his chances of being on the grid with McLaren next year appear to be remote as the team have hinted they will keep the Alonso-Jenson Button line-up.

Should that be the case, then Magnussen may well find himself at Haas in 2016.

"I'm not going to name the teams I'm in contact with," he told Autosport. "All I'll say is this – it's been widely reported I'm in Haas's thoughts. In fact Gene has admitted that in recent interviews.

"I think he and Guenther [Steiner, team principal] are both very smart guys, and the way they're going about launching their new F1 team is clever and innovative.

"So, yes, if there's no McLaren race drive available for me, then of course I'd love to race for Haas.

"Having spent six years with McLaren, learning from some of the best drivers and engineers in the business, and because of the unique opportunity I've had to increase my technical knowledge this year, I think I'm very well placed to play a leading role in helping set up a new F1 team."