Kevin Magnussen's promotion to race seat is exciting for McLaren, says Sam Michael

Kevin Magnussen

McLaren sporting director Sam Michael has said that the promotion of Kevin Magnussen to race seat for next season is an exciting decision for the team.

Magnussen will take the place of Sergio Perez for 2014 season and it will be his first year at the Formula One scene, which makes him the first rookie to earn a McLaren seat since Lewis Hamilton in 2007.

“Kevin’s arrival is really exciting for the whole team – he represents the future. When you have a rookie come onboard – somebody who’s full of energy, who’s just won his lower-category championship, and who is desperate to prove himself – it creates a buzz within the team; people share his hopes and dreams. From a team point of view, it’s a fantastic move,” Michael said.

Michael also said that the inexperience of Magnussen won’t affect the performance adversely.

“Regarding youth versus experience, you could argue it both ways: in terms of learning how the tyres behave, the powertrain works, and the effect of the new aerodynamic maps, the experienced guy will have a more balanced understanding,” he said.

“But this is a brand new formula, so a rookie isn’t as disadvantaged. Even if it doesn’t necessarily give Kevin an advantage, the advantage of all the other drivers is diminished because everyone’s starting from the same benchmark. And it’s much better for Kevin to come in now than any other year,” he added.