Kevin Magnussen has revealed that a possible Formula 1 drive with Red Bull was possible during his career, but the Dane refused to join sister team Toro Rosso.
Magnussen, who has completed what is expected to be his final season in F1, said 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 Sébastien Vettel.
Instead, he opted for a drive with McLaren and made his debut with the Woking team that year, achieving a sensational second place in his first Grand Prix, at Melbourne, ironically inheriting the place after the disqualification of Ricciardo.
After the race, Magnussen believed he was firmly in contention for the drivers' title.
“OK, the battle for the world title is on, in my first year. Yes, I really thought so.”
In reality, a move to McLaren was the wisest option, with the team being faster than Toro Rosso by far, but after one season Magnussen found himself replaced by Fernando Alonso, who would partner Jenson Button for the arrival of Honda.
Magnussen claims his manager spoke to Red Bull boss Christian Horner and the possibility of driving for Toro Rosso became apparent but vetoed the move.
“And I said, 'No, no, we won't.' Which I probably should have done in hindsight…”
Looking back, Magnussen suggests that this transfer might have been beneficial.
“It was Gasly who got the wheel [chez Red Bull]. Albon was promoted from Formula 2 to Toro Rosso.”
“Then Gasly didn't do well and Albon transferred! So the driver who got that wheel at Toro Rosso ended up at Red Bull.”
