Former McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen has admitted he would “love to race for Haas” in 2016, if no seat is available for him at McLaren, which looks increasingly likely.
The 22-year-old replaced Sergio Perez at McLaren for the 2014 season and went on to score a podium finish on his debut. He was later dropped in favour of the current line-up of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso.
After recently stating that he wouldn’t settle for sitting on the sidelines in 2016, the Danish driver has begun talking with other teams as it looks likely that McLaren will take up an option on Button.
“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 [Haas] 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.”
Magnussen believes he has the experience to lead a new team during their first season in the sport.
“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.”
