Kevin Magnussen has expressed his sadnes🔯s at missing out on a second season in F1 with McLaren as he ꦦfaces a season on the sidelines.

After McLaren moved to sign the available Fernando Alonso for the 2015 season, Magnussen went up against the experience Jenson Button for the seat alongside him in the new Honda-power♏ed MP4-30, the team waiting unti🔜l December before opting for the Englishman.

T♌he late decision meant Magnussen could not move to secure another drive in F1, the Dane accepting a reserve and test driver role with McLaren as a 𝓀result.

Indeed, having turned heads during his rookie year - which𝄹 included a podium finish in the season opening Australian Grand Prix -, Magnussen admits he was desperately disappointed to be dropped at this early stage✱ in his career, but says he understood the decision.

"It was very frustrating," he said. "I desperate💝ly wanted to race this year and it has been tough. Immediately after learning I didn't have the drive, it w🅺as very sad times.

"I was looking forward to another y𓆉ear and continuing the progress. I felt I had a lot more to learn, so I have been massively💞 disappointed, but I understand the situation.

"I can only say that I haven't given up and I aওm fully focused to getting back to F1, I just have to make the right choice and do the right things."

Magnussen got mileage in the troubled MP4-30 during pre-season testing and is on standby for the Australian Grand Prix in case Alonso - who was sidelined in the final test 𓆉- is unable to compete.