Kevin Magnussen became the first 2nd-generation Danish driver in Formula One when he debuted in the 2014 Australian Grand Prix for McLaren. The son of Jan hit the ground running with the highest-placed grid since 2007 and the highest finishing positions for a debutante since 1996, starting fourth and finishing second – following the disqualification of Daniel Ricciardo. Magnussen however failed to continue this run of form and despite consistent points finishes throughout 2014 he found himself on the sidelines after McLaren announced their 2015 driver-line up of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso. Despite this, Magnussen would be required to fill in for Alonso at the opening race of 2015, the , following the Spaniard's crash in testing – however he did not take the start as his engine failed on his way to the starting grid.