Ron Dennis believes Kevin Magnussen has what it takes to become the next Formula One world champion from McLaren.
Dennis, back in the paddock over the Australian Grand Prix weekend in his former role as McLaren Group chief executive, knows a thing or two about helping to turn a driver into a title winner. After all, he has done it before with some of the greats of the sport in Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton.
So when Magnussen became the first rookie to step on to the podium at the end of the race at Melbourne’s Albert Park since Hamilton, Dennis was naturally probed about the 21-year-old’s credentials.
After finishing third behind winner Nico Rosberg in his Mercedes, the Dane was later elevated to second after Daniel Ricciardo was excluded from the result due to a fuel violation with his Red Bull.
For now, pending the outcome of an appeal from Red Bull and excluding F1’s first race in 1950 when all drivers were debutants, Magnussen is only the fifth driver in F1 history to finish second or higher on debut.
Dennis, instrumental last season in the decision to axe Sergio Perez and push for rookie Magnussen to take up the seat, said: “It is a big step to commit to a driver and put him in a grand prix car. No matter his form, there is a risk.
“But I don’t think there is any question he has delivered more than expected, mainly because of his aptitude and not making mistakes.
“He couldn’t have done a better job. He never put a wheel off the track, followed instructions, and pushed very hard at the right times. I have nothing but praise for him.”
Asked of Magnussen’s title credentials, Dennis added: “He has all the ingredients necessary to win a world championship, although he has to be in a competitive car.
“It’s only one race and we’ll see where he is after four, but I don’t have any concerns about his temperament, focus or commitment, and he is prepared to make whatever sacrifices are necessary.”
