Ron Dennis says Kevin Magnussen deserves to have a career in Formula One after news broke on Friday that the Dane has left McLaren.

Magnussen raced for McLaren last year but this season was dropped to the position of reserve driver with the arrival of Fernando Alonso alongside Jenson Button. He has now been informed there will not be a role for him at McLaren in 2016, leaving him with very few options in F1 if talks with the new Renault works team fall through.

"He is a very talented racing driver, and he deserves to have a Formula One career, as Jenson [Button] has publicly said," Dennis said in a McLaren statement. "Evidently, we have no space for him at McLaren-Honda as a race driver next year, but there is no shame in being edged out by two world champions, Fernando and Jenson.

"We wish Kevin well, and will do all we can to help him successfully embark on the next chapter of his racing career."

Dennis paid tribute to Magnussen's achievements at McLaren.

"Kevin has always done a very impressive and professional job for McLaren in the five years since he joined our Young Driver Programme in 2010. In 2014 he raced very well alongside Jenson, who is a hugely experienced and very quick World Champion. Kevin's grand prix debut in Melbourne last year was rewarded with a podium that day that he, and we, can be justifiably proud of.

"Kevin has continued to work hard for us in 2015, supporting Fernando and Jenson, although he was understandably frustrated not to be racing. He is extremely keen to return to racing next year, and, in keeping with our tradition with our young drivers, we will not stand in the way of his ability to fulfil his ambition and potential."