Retiring drivers could power F1 return - Magnussen

Kevin Magnussen says he is keen to keep his foot in the F1 door this year.

Ousted by McLaren, the former team reserve is now seeking a return to actual racing in 2016, with the German touring car series DTM looking the best option.

"I have the feeling that I will get out and race again, as I like to do," the 23-year-old Dane told Ekstra Bladet newspaper.

"It is hard to say what it will be, but no matter what I will do my very best," Magnussen added.

He admitted, however, that it will also be important to remain closely linked to the world of F1 this year, amid speculation he wants a new role as reserve driver.

Indeed, with the sport set to undergo dramatic rule changes for 2017, several drivers - like Kimi Raikkonen, Jenson Button and Felipe Massa - are now edging close to the end of their careers.

"You are right," said Magnussen, "that soon something will happen that has not happened in a long time, with several drivers probably retiring from F1.

"So it is probably important to still be close to formula one," he added.

Asked if he is specifically eyeing Button’s McLaren-Honda seat, Magnussen answered: "I don’t know, but there are several drivers who have been there for many years and who are probably going to leave soon.

"I am not at a bad age and it is important to be associated with formula one in some way," he added.