Magnussen to Miss Austin and Mexico Grands Prix After Injury
Kevin Magnussen will not attend the Austin or Mexico City Formula One rounds as he continues to recover from a hand injury, McLaren confirmed.
Kevin Magnussen will not travel to the United States or Mexican Grands Prix as he recovers from a hand injury, McLaren has confirmed. The Danish driver, who had been serving as McLaren’s reserve, has not attended recent races after breaking his hand in a cycling accident.
Magnussen’s absence from the paddock began almost six weeks ago, shortly before McLaren announced it would part ways with him at the end of the season. Despite initial suggestions that his recovery would be accelerated by specialist care, the team told Danish outlet BT that Magnussen is still not fully recovered and will therefore not be present in Austin or Mexico City.
With Magnussen sidelined, attention turns to McLaren’s reserve driver line-up for the remainder of the season and beyond. Stoffel Vandoorne is widely expected to take over reserve duties in the longer term, as the team reshuffles its roster following the split with Magnussen.
What this means for McLaren’s reserve driver plans
McLaren’s confirmation leaves the team without Magnussen’s support at two key flyaway races. While the main race line-up of Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button remains unchanged, the reserve role is critical for testing, simulator work and as a stand-in in case of illness or injury. Vandoorne, who has impressed in junior categories, is likely to be promoted as McLaren looks to finalise its 2016 plans.
For more on McLaren’s driver decisions, seeMcLaren lets Magnussen 2016 contract option expire.
