The Dane is determined to return to the F1 cockpit next year, having lost his seat at McLaren to Jenson Button this year following a last-minute change of heart by his bosses.

After confessing that he is doing 'everything' he can to return to racing in 2016, he is convinced that he has gained far more knowledge that many people realise with the job he is now doing.

"I have lots of experience that can benefit any team," he told Motorsport.com. "I've been driving McLaren F1 cars since 2012.

"I have had a year racing in F1, I have worked with McLaren for six years – and professionally at F1 level for three years.

"I was official test driver, then racing and then this year. I've learned a lot and more than people realise. I am sure that experience will be beneficial for anyone."

Checking options

Magnussen remains in contention for a race seat at McLaren for 2016 if the team elects not to retain Jenson Button.

He has also been strongly linked with the new Haas outfit, which has made clear that it wants experienced drivers on board.

Although drawing short of revealing which teams he is speaking to, Magnussen says that his only focus is on competing again.

"I am a racing driver, and I want to race in F1," he said. "I haven't got to the top step yet – I need to do, I want to do that and I will do that.

"I have had a really good time at McLaren since I joined as a young guy, and I've learned a huge amount and they have done so much for me.

"It would be great for me to race here, but they have two world champions and they are both doing a very good job. You can see they are so close in every race and every qualifying.

"If there isn't a place here – then I still want to be racing. There has been interest from other teams, they've reached out, and that is good to see. It shows I should be on the grid somewhere.

"I cannot identify any of the teams who have approached, but Haas does sounds like an interesting project – and something that could be good for the future."

Behind the scenes

The lack of in-season testing means that Magnussen does not have the chance to show off his qualities behind the wheel, but says that his efforts are being appreciated behind the scenes.

"I've tried to help the drivers and the team in the best way I could," he said. "There is no way I can come in and do a miracle and solve everything, but I can help and provide a bit more information from a drivers' point of view.

"For example, the race drivers are busy and they need to take big decisions about set-up and stuff, so they don't always get time to analyse the on-board videos of the other cars on the grid; or their own stuff.

"I can go through and analyse; I have all the time in the world! I think that has been very helpful for the engineers and drivers."