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F1 Belgian GP: Magnussen won’t wait long for Renault decision

Kevin Magnussen says he is hopeful Renault will keep to its word and make a decision on its driver line-up for the 2017 Formula 1 season next month as he concedes his seat in the team is under threat.

Magnussen - who raced with McLaren in 2014 - has endured a difficult return to F1 action this year as Renault struggles to bring its RS.16 up to speed, with the Dane scoring just a single top ten finish with a seventh place result in Russia.

With Renault known to be chasing other drivers for 2017, including Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas and highly-rated youngster Esteban Ocon, team manager Frederic Vasseur suggested a final decision will be taken in September.

It is a deadline Magnussen is hoping Renault keeps to regardless of whether it chooses to retain him or not, insisting he has done all he can with the material he has to earn a renewed opportunity.

"I've heard that they've said early September, so I hope that's true. Otherwise I'll take a decision... I've done my best to deliver at my best and there's no reason to try and change just because there hasn't been a decision. There's no reason to panic - just do what I've done and see what happens.

"We're still drivers in the team that are uncertain of our future. That's not ideal but that's the way it is. I can't decide who's racing in this team, so I'll just keep doing what I've done and try and enjoy it as much as possible, push as much as I can, work as hard as I can

"The team needs to do what's best for them and they will do what they think is best. When you're in a situation like this, it's not our fault we're not getting out of Q1. Whether there is another driver who can go a bit faster... I don't think so. But that's me as a racing driver. There are other things to focus on, but it's not my decision. I hope that they are going to be clever about it and take the right decision.

Having been left without the chance of a drive for 2015 when McLaren left it until December 2014 to choose Jenson Button over the former Formula Renault 3.5 champion, Magnussen admits he is keeping his ear to the ground over other drives.

"You hear what's going on in other teams, and I do think other seats will be available if I don't get this one, but that's not where my focus is. I know what's going on and that's enough. I'll wait for a bit and see what happens here - and hope for the best." 

Zdroj: crash.net