McLaren F1 is the only option in 2015 for Magnussen

At the start of the season, Kevin Magnussen impressed the small world of Formula 1 by finishing his first Grand Prix on the podium, in second place after Daniel Ricciardo’s disqualification in Australia.

Since then, the Danish pilot, despite some solid performances, has somewhat fallen back in the ranks and has almost half as many points in the championship as his experienced teammate Jenson Button. Additionally, his behavior on the track has often been criticized and penalized by the race stewards.

Awaiting a possible renewal of his contract for the 2015 season, Magnussen is under pressure and sees no other opportunity outside of McLaren for the coming years: « I always thought that if I didn’t meet expectations this year, it would be over for me. When I got this seat, I knew it would be my only opportunity, that it would either succeed or fail. I knew what I was getting into, but I believe it’s going well for me, » he stated to Crash.net.

« If I can’t succeed right away with McLaren and be good enough for them, then I’ll never be good enough. There’s no good reason for me to join another team and climb the ranks afterward because if I can’t impress from the start, then I’ll never be a world champion. And I’m here for one reason only, to be a world champion. I don’t just want to finish races and score points. »

His lucidity would even push him to leave Formula 1 if he feels that he could only be a bit player. But the Dane still has confidence in his talent and believes he has already proven that he belongs in the discipline: “I want to win and if I can’t do it, if I find that I win no victory or championship in the future, then that means I don’t belong in Formula 1. I will do something else, something where I can win. I believe in my ability to win and I have proven to myself that I am capable. So I need to continue working hard and demonstrating that I am doing my best in every race.”