• McLaren

Magnussen encouraged by Hamilton success

ESPN Staff
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Kevin Magnussen says Lewis Hamilton's success as a rookie at McLaren is "really encouraging" for him ahead of 2014.

Next season will see Magnussen drive alongside Jenson Button at McLaren in his first season in Formula One, with just three pre-season tests available for him to get up to speed with the new car. However, rather than see Hamilton's first season with McLaren as increasing expectations, Magnussen said the experience the team has of 2007 will help him.

"The fact that Lewis did exactly what I'm doing now is a positive for me," Magnussen said. "It shows that the team has been there before, and has already prepared a rookie for his grand prix debut. The fact that Lewis was so successful doesn't raise the pressure for me, it just shows that it can be done, and that you can be successful as a rookie. That's really encouraging."

Magnussen also acknowledged the importance of having a successful first test in 2014.

"Now that I've got the race seat, I'm fully focused on the work ahead of me. This winter will be all about preparing myself for the first test in January, and the first race in March. It's about spending time with the engineers, driving the simulator, and getting used to everything. It's a lot of hard work - but I'm really enjoying it."

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