Magnussen: I want to stay with Renault

Amid a less than stellar return to the Formula 1 grid this season, Renault driver Kevin Magnussen is keeping his options open for 2017 but admits staying with the French team is his top priority.

Neither Magnussen or Jolyon Palmer have been confirmed for next season by Renault, with a number of hopefuls on the team’s radar including the likes of Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon and Stoffel Vandoorne.

Magnussen told reporters in Hungary, “I’ve clearly made it obvious that I want to stay and I consider myself part of the team and part of the future, I haven’t seen any signs that I’m not [part of the future] the time will tell but I feel happy and confident so we’ll see what happens.

But he admitted, “I think that you know people around the paddock, I’m not only talking with the Renault people, I know a lot of people so you always talk so you know what’s going on, keep your doors open and at the moment I’m not going to need it.”

First prize for the Dane, whose return to F1 coincides with a transition year for Renault who are guilty of not providing him with a car in which he can show his maximum potential, is to remain with the Enstone based team beyond 2016.

“It doesn’t seem like they’re in much of a rush, I’ve been in this situation before and you never really know, all you can do is do you best and enjoy it while it lasts,” added Magnussen.

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