McLaren's Kevin Magnussen says Stoffel Vandoorne must get F1 drive

The two McLaren-backed drivers fought each other for the 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 title, with Magnussen winning the championship against rookie Vandoorne.

The Dane's success earned him an F1 race drive with McLaren the following year, while Vandoorne starred in his first GP2 season and is already comfortably leading the 2015 title race.

When asked if Vandoorne's form is a worry, Magnussen - who is on the sidelines this year after being replaced by Fernando Alonso - said his former rival is definitely worth of a drive at the top level of the sport.

"Stoffel is doing a really good job," said Magnussen. "He deserves to get to F1, there's something wrong if he doesn't get to F1.

"But I guess everyone is a threat when you are competing for an F1 seat. What can you do about it?

"I've just got to focus on myself and not really worry about anyone else because I can't do anything about them.

"I'm not racing, so I can't beat them on track.

"I've got to rely on my experience, I've done well in F1, I've been on the podium.

"McLaren believes in me, they know what I can do and what my potential is.

"The right thing to do is to stay with McLaren and be part of this team's future, which I believe is going to be big."

Magnussen admitted over the winter that he considered racing with his father Jan at Le Mans this year, and he came close to landing an IndyCar drive, but he is adamant F1 remains his focus for next year.

"I don't want to think about 2017 or anything other than F1 because that's what I want to do," he said.

"I want to get back to F1, I want to be successful in F1 and I believe I can do that in this team.

"McLaren-Honda is a very powerful team and being one of their drivers is a good thing.

"No matter if there is a seat here at McLaren or not, I'm not in a bad position."