Kevin Magnussen 'can push Jenson Button'

Formula 1 rookie Kevin Magnussen has the pace to push his teammate Jenson Button in 2014, according to McLaren test driver Gary Paffett.

The Dane was signed to replace Sergio Perez and, speaking at the Autosport International Show, the Woking outfit's reserve driver said that the team's new recruit can compete against the 2009 world champion in the same way Lewis Hamilton used to.

He told reporters: "Jenson needs someone quicker than him to push him harder. That's what we saw with Lewis Hamilton in the team.

"Lewis is one of the best qualifiers on the grid, and he always pushed Jenson past the limit, so Jenson had to work very hard to keep up."

The season begins at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.