Formula 1: Rookie Kevin Magnussen In Line For McLaren Drive
Recent reports from both the BBC and Sky Sports F1, suggest McLaren are considering replacing Sergio Perez with Kevin Magnussen for next season. As we discussed in an earlier article the driver market is still in relative flux and neither Jenson Button or Perez have been confirmed for the 2014 season. Despite official confirmation, however it is widely believed that Button has signed a contract for the coming season and will remain in place. McLaren struggled throughout 2013 with a car that is battling in midfield but management at the team believe that Perezs performance has been largely disappointing. This has led to speculation that he could be replaced. It wouldnt be the first time that McLaren have promoted a rookie to their full Formula 1 team. Lewis Hamilton came straight into the team without any prior F1 experience and was an immediate success. Martin Whitmarsh has previously spoken about trying to get Magnussen a drive in Marussia to gain experience. But with Perez not seen as a long term prospect they may promote him in time for 2014. The rookie driver has impressed in recent years and joined the McLaren Young Driver program in 2009. Having begun his race career in karting he moved into Formula Ford in 2008, winning the championship in Denmark. He then moved in German Formula 3 where he achieved three race wins. In 2011 Magnussen entered the British Formula 3 championship, finishing in second place with seven race wins. He also gathered more accolades by winning the Formula Renault 3.5 series in 2013. The Dane has performed consistently faster than Perez on the race simulator McLaren use and at the Young Drivers Test in Abu Dhabi last year he posted a string of fast laps. Team Principle Whitmarsh said of that test. Kevin has had two runs in an F1 car. In Abu Dhabi on his third flying lap, he did a time that was good enough for sixth on the grid, which is pretty impressive. If McLaren do choose to go with Magnussen it would possibly leave Perez without a driver for the season. It would be difficult to secure a drive this late in the year. Do you think McLaren should stick with Sergio Perez or give Kevin Magnussen a chance to showcase his talents?