DECEMBER 4, 2014

Denmark's Lego rules out McLaren deal

Kevin Magnussen's hopes of retaining his McLaren seat may have taken a hit on Thursday.

Kevin Magnussen's hopes of retaining his McLaren seat may have taken a hit on Thursday.

Reports indicate the British team's board is meeting on Thursday to decide the identity of Fernando Alonso's Honda-powered teammate for 2015.

Danish rookie Magnussen had earlier seemed the favourite, particularly following reports team supremo Ron Dennis had been in Denmark recently for talks with local companies Bestseller as well as Lego, the famous toy brand.

Dennis told local media: "I wish Denmark woke up and realised what a unique opportunity they have to endorse someone (Magnussen) who could easily become a sporting legend in this country."

But Lego chief executive Jorgen Vig Knudstorp on Thursday was quoted by the Copenhagen Post as saying F1 sponsorship "did not fit Lego's brand".

Magnussen's teammate in 2014 was the former world champion and F1 veteran Jenson Button, who told his almost 2 million Twitter followers this week that he still "can't answer your questions about my future just yet.

"Hopefully soon," the Briton added.

(GMM)