Kevin Magnussen explains why he declined a 2014 Red Bull seat, opting instead for McLaren in a career-defining decision.
Kevin Magnussen revealed that a potential Formula 1 seat with Red Bull was once within reach during his career, but the Dane turned down the chance to join their sister team, Toro Rosso.
Magnussen, who has wrapped up what appears to be his final season in F1, stated that a move to the team, now known as Racing Bulls, was on the table when Daniel Ricciardo left Toro Rosso to join Red Bull in 2014 alongside Sebastian Vettel.
Instead, he opted for a seat with McLaren and made his debut with the Woking-based team that same year, achieving a stunning second place in his first Grand Prix in Melbourne—ironically inheriting the position after Ricciardo’s disqualification.
After the race, Magnussen believed he was firmly in the hunt for the drivers’ title.
“OK, the world championship fight is on, starting in my first year. Yes, I truly thought that,” he said.
In hindsight, joining McLaren seemed the more logical choice, as the team was significantly faster than Toro Rosso at the time. However, after just one season, Magnussen was replaced by Fernando Alonso, who teamed up with Jenson Button for Honda’s return.
Magnussen claims his manager had discussions with Red Bull boss Christian Horner, and the possibility of driving for Toro Rosso became clear, but he ultimately vetoed the move.
“And I said, ‘No, no, we’re not doing that.’ Which, looking back, I probably should have done…”
Reflecting on the decision, Magnussen hints that the transfer might have been advantageous.
“It was Gasly who got the seat [at Red Bull]. Albon was promoted from Formula 2 to Toro Rosso.”
“Then Gasly didn’t perform well, and Albon was moved up! So, the driver who got that Toro Rosso seat ended up at Red Bull.”
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Magnussen Turned Down Red Bull Seat for 2014 Season Magnussen Turned Down Red Bull Seat for 2014 Season
