£4m-a-year driver says F1 career is ‘not definitely over’ despite not having 2025 race seat yet

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There may only be one seat technically left on the Formula 1 grid for 2025, but silly season is more alive than ever and multiple drivers are in the frame for a drive.

Sauber have the one true opening, with candidates such as Valtteri Bottas, Gabriel Bortoleto and Franco Coalpinto all rumoured to be in with a shot of securing it.

Down at Visa Cash App RB [and Red Bull too], they are most likely to hire from within if they decide to promote Liam Lawson and replace Sergio Perez.

However, there’s a chance that Williams star Colapinto could have a chance at a move to the Red Bull family, but that would come as a surprise.

Kevin Magnussen says his F1 career is ‘definitely not over’

There’s one driver who hasn’t been mentioned by many outlets at all regarding his future, and he’s quietly been performing at a better level recently.

Many presume that Kevin Magnussen, who earns £4 million per year, is coming to the end of his F1 career, but that may not be the case after his seventh place at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

He’s a driver with plenty of experience, and speed on his day, making him an attractive proposition for those in need of someone who can give good feedback and push a car in a better development direction.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen shares Red Bull’s ‘biggest problem’ after the Mexico City Grand Prix and it’s not Sergio Perez

Speaking on Formula 1’s Mexico City Grand Prix Post-Race Show, he revealed that he may have some options for 2025.

“I’m quite easy. I’ve been in this situation before, two times actually,” he said. “So it’s kind of not a surprise, it’s not uncomfortable. If it is the last, so be it, what can I do?

“I had some amazing years and some amazing opportunities to have a career in Formula 1 and I can still stand here and say it’s not definitely over. What an awesome position to be in.”

Where could Magnussen go for 2025?

It’s difficult to judge where Magnussen could have a chance within Formula 1 in the future – whether it’s 2025 or 2026.

Sauber is the obvious candidate for 2025, with a seat next to Nico Hulkenberg – a man he has previously enjoyed fights with both on and off the track up for grabs.

Both VCARB and Red Bull aren’t likely to enquire about his services, leaving 2026 as his next best chance for a full-time return.

READ MORE: Mark Webber sends three-word message to old rival Fernando Alonso after his 400th F1 race

Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes all have seats which will be occupied, Williams have a driver headache of their own and Haas have just shut the door on him.

So other than Sauber that leaves Alpine, who may have an opening in just over a year’s time, depending on the performance of rookie driver Jack Doohan.