Magnussen prefers Button over Alonso as teammate

Kevin Magnussen says he is happy with the current configuration of McLaren’s driver lineup.

Fernando Alonso - arguably the best driver in F1 - has often been linked with a 2015 move to McLaren to spearhead the British team’s new Honda era.

And that speculation looks set to ramp up even more, given another difficult start to the Spaniard’s fifth consecutive Ferrari campaign, and the latest turmoil at Maranello in the form of Stefano Domenicali’s shock exit.

The cockpit most likely to be vacated in the event of an Alonso arrival at McLaren is the one currently occupied by Jenson Button, as the 34-year-old’s contract is expiring.

But McLaren’s impressive newcomer Magnussen sounded nonplussed when he was asked if he would welcome Alonso to McLaren.

"I wouldn’t mind," the 21-year-old Dane answered. "The truth is that I’m happy now.

"I think having someone like Jenson - easygoing, speaks very good English, knows how to explain things and very experienced and fast - is ideal.

"I couldn’t ask for a better teammate," Magnussen is quoted by the Spanish sports daily AS.