Kevin Magnussen will not beg Renault to extend his contract beyond the conclusion of this Formula One season.
The Dane is convinced he has done all he can with the tools Renault have provided him to put himself in the very best position to continue his Formula One career.
Renault has struggled on their return to the sport after the French outfit took over the floundering Lotus team at the end of last season.
A lack of car development means they currently sit ninth in the constructor’s championship on just six points, courtesy of Magnussen’s seventh place in Russia.
Speaking to Autosport ahead of the this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Magnussen said: “There’s nothing more I can do or say.
“I’ve had some good opportunities to show what I can do. I’ve clearly got the most out of the car in qualifying the majority of the time, and also scored the only points the team have claimed this season.
“I know it’s not my decision – if it was I’d have a very long contract – but I can only do my best and see what happens.
“I’m not going to beg for it [a second year]. I’m going to do my best on and off-track and then we will see.”
Several drivers have been linked with Renault for next season, including the man Magnussen replaced at McLaren in 2014, Sergio Perez, and former Renault reserve Esteban Ocon, who will now drive for Manor for the remainder of this year.
Magnussen knows he is fighting for his seat at every single race and can’t relax no matter how well he has done until a contract extension has been signed.
The Dane learnt that the hard way when he was dropped by McLaren after just a single season in 2014 despite impressing on several occasions that season.
“Every season in Formula 1, unless you are on a long-term deal, you are fighting for your future every single race.
“There is not a race you are not under pressure. It’s an exam every single time you are in the car.
“That’s natural, it comes with the territory in Formula 1, and we know at this point in the season there is a lot of talk around drivers, whether they are going or staying.
“I learned from the last time I was in Formula 1 that you can’t ever feel secure, so I’m just trying to do my best, working as hard as I can and as closely as I can with the team.”
Magnussen also confirmed no discussions had taken place with either him or his representatives over the summer break. That is despite Renault team principal Fred Vasseur suggesting the team’s lineup for the 2017 season would be announced at some time in September.
“I read what Fred said. If that’s the case, that’s good, but we’ll see,” said Magnussen.
“It’s fairly obvious who is in contention for the seat, and it will be what it will be.
“In a way it’s up to me because I’m driving the car and I need to deliver, but in many ways it’s also out of my hands.
“I can only do my best, and if I do that then there is nothing else I can do.”
