Feb.6 (GMM) Kevin Magnussen is not ruling out looking elsewhere to keep his racing instincts sharp.
Just a year into his F1 racing career, the 22-year-old has been pushed aside by McLaren in favour of its all-champion lineup for 2015 featuring Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button.
He admits he is disappointed.
“Personally, I think I did a good debut season,” he told the Nordic sports channel Viasat.
“I do not think I could have done anything else. It is logical that as a world champion, Jenson got more points than me, but a few times I was able to show my potential.
“I was often faster than Jenson, for instance in qualifying. In the end it was not enough to fight for a place with Fernando and Jenson.
“Formula one is a complex world with very high pressure and expectations, and now I really understand it. I became harder as a driver and a person and I am sure I can use this experience when I get back among the main drivers in F1,” Magnussen added.
“Of course I was very upset when I lost the race seat, I was ready to fight and did not want to take a step back, but we have a special situation.
“I gave way to a double world champion, and even if I didn’t like it, I’m still quite young and have a lot of years ahead of me. I will try to hold on for as long as possible to get another chance,” he said.
Magnussen, whose father Jan was also an F1 driver, continued: “We are analysing several options for continuing my career.
“I want to race; it’s important for me to get back behind the wheel, even if it’s not in formula one.
“It is not good to not race for a whole year, especially when the testing in formula one is extremely limited.
“If this had happened ten years ago, I probably would not be thinking of this, but it is important for my development to keep racing.
“I do not know what option is best. Indycar is one, but there are others. Let’s see how the situation develops.”
One rumour that has emerged this week is that McLaren may be helping ailing Manor’s revival bid, in order to set up a sort of Honda ‘B-team’.
Magnussen has been mentioned as a potential driver.
“Anything is possible,” he responded. “Marussia? I think this is only a rumour.
“The situation has changed recently, we are watching how it develops but we have not talked with that team,” Magnussen insisted.