Magnussen on Vandoorne: "Circumtances a bit sh*t for him"

Kevin Magnussen has come out to defend departing McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne, saying that the Belgian is a better driver than what he's shown this season at the British team.

Magnussen, of course, started his F1 career at McLaren, replacing the Mercedes-bound Lewis Hamilton at the time. The Dane didn't impress whatsoever and left through the back door after two seasons at the team. His F1 career looked on the rocks, but Renault threw him a lifeline at the start of 2016.

He then moved to Haas in 2017, and he's really thrived in that environment. Often at the top of the midfield battle, Magnussen looks at the top of his game now. He's a much-changed man from the driver who debuted for McLaren in 2014, which makes him qualified to comment on Vandoorne's struggles at that same team.

"It’s a very tough environment this sport," K-Mag was quoted by RaceFans.

"I think Stoffel is a very good driver and perhaps he was made to look worse this year than he really is. I think he’s very good and he deserves to be in Formula 1 but circumstances were just a bit shit for him.

"He’s going to do well in whatever he goes to do now. And you should never say never, if you can come back to Formula 1 there’s always the possibility."

Vandoorne was hailed as a future champion by some when he moved to McLaren from the Super Formula, but it obviously hasn't worked out for him that way. He's off to Formula E after this season has concluded.