Kevin Magnussen is being tipped to join McLaren next season and partner Jenson Button, with Sergio Perez set to be axed, according to reports by British newspaper, The Daily Telegraph.

Magnussen, who is one of McLaren’s junior drivers, won the Formula Renault 3.5 Series title this year and is highly rated by the Woking-based outfit. Rumours linking him to Perez’s seat have also been intensified after his late decision to abort taking part in the Abu Dhabi GP2 Series test this week – his prize for winning the World Series by Renault crown.

“For me, if I can get a competitive seat in the first year [in F1] I would prefer that,” Magnussen told the ‘paper last weekend. “It’s true there is a bigger risk in going to a top team because if you don’t perform then you’re out of F1. But for me, if I get to a top team and don’t perform then it means I’m not good enough.

“I’m in F1 to be world champion not just to be in F1. That is why I would happily take that chance. Because I believe I am capable of that.”

Magnussen also reckons that in some ways the big regulation changes next year will be good for F1 rookies.

“It is more of a help, I think [rather than a disadvantage], because it will be more of a level playing field,” added the Dane, who was quickest in the Abu Dhabi F1 Young Driver test twelve months ago and who also ran well at the Silverstone test back in the summer, “No drivers will have experience of driving these cars. It’s a very good opportunity for a rookie.

“It’s no secret that I want to drive for this team. It’s the best team in the paddock. It’s where I’ve wanted to race my whole life. Even when I was a small kid. But it’s out of my hands. I’ve done all I can do.”

Perez meanwhile has done well in recent races, equalling McLaren’s best result of the season in India when he finished fifth.

However, despite that he has generally been outperformed by Button and that could prove decisive, although to be fair to the Mexican, the McLaren MP4-28 hasn’t exactly been the best car on the grid in 2013.