Haas would have signed Magnussen for 2016

London, England - The new Haas Formula 1 team would have offered former McLaren reserve Kevin Magnussen a race seat for 2016 if Romain Grosjean had not accepted it, owner Gene Haas said on Wednesday (November 4).

Haas told the Formula1.com website: "We talked to Magnussen, who was a very good candidate. He was very well respected by the McLaren team.

No place here

"In fact if Romain had declined we would have taken Magnussen as the primary seat."

Magnussen, 23, raced for McLaren in 2014 and was reserve this season. He was told on his birthday in October that the team had no place for him.

Magnussen now looks sure to leave F1, with tailenders Manor the only team still to confirm drivers for 2016.

Ferrari-powered Haas, the first US owned team since 1986, is making their debut next season with Grosjean and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez.