Franchise Notes: Kevin Magnussen Completes Deal With Renault

Kevin Magnussen's deal to return to Formula 1 with the Renault team is now "done." The Dane's "hopes of securing an F1 lifeline have increased in recent days, as a payment dispute between Renault and the sponsors of Pastor Maldonado failed to reach a resolution." Maldonado's backers, Venezuelan oil company PDVSA, "had until Friday to deliver outstanding payments if the one-time grand prix winner was going to keep his seat" (MOTORSPORT, 1/31). ... Force India has taken on 16-year-old Nikita Mazepin as a development driver in a "long-term association with the team." The Russian teenager will work with the F1 team in an extensive development program in its simulator "as well as attending various race events in 2016." Mazepin "will combine his efforts with Force India alongside a rookie campaign in the FIA European Formula 3 championship with Hi-Tech Racing" (CRASH, 2/1).