Renault F1 driver Magnussen won't 'beg' for second season with team

Following its takeover of Lotus, Renault made it clear from the outset that 2016 would be tough, and that has proven to be the case as it has scored points in just one F1 race, via Magnussen in Russia.

Ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix and the start of the second half of the season, Magnussen told Autosport: "There's nothing more I can do or say.

"I've had some good opportunities to show what I can do. I've clearly got the most out of the car in qualifying the majority of the time, and also scored the only points the team have claimed this season.

"I know it's not my decision - if it was I'd have a very long contract - but I can only do my best and see what happens.

"I'm not going to beg for it [a second year]. I'm going to do my best on and off-track and then we will see."

Magnussen is fully aware other drivers are linked with a Renault seat for 2017, including Force India's Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon, the former reserve who has graduated to a drive with Manor for the remaining nine races.

The 23-year-old concedes the pressure is considerable, underlined by his experience with McLaren in 2014, when he felt he would remain beyond his rookie season, only to be dropped.

"Every season in Formula 1, unless you are on a long-term deal, you are fighting for your future every single race," he added.

"There is not a race you are not under pressure. It's an exam every single time you are in the car.

"That's natural, it comes with the territory in Formula 1, and we know at this point in the season there is a lot of talk around drivers, whether they are going or staying.

"I learned from the last time I was in Formula 1 that you can't ever feel secure, so I'm just trying to do my best, working as hard as I can and as closely as I can with the team."

Renault team principal Fred Vasseur recently suggested the team will likely be in a position to announce its driver line-up in September.

Magnussen confirmed there were no talks or indications from Renault on his future over the summer break.

"I read what Fred said. If that's the case, that's good, but we'll see," he said.

"It's fairly obvious who is in contention for the seat, and it will be what it will be.

"In a way it's up to me because I'm driving the car and I need to deliver, but in many ways it's also out of my hands.

"I can only do my best, and if I do that then there is nothing else I can do."