McLaren racing director Eric Boullier has suggested that the team will not stand in the way if Kevin Magnussen looks to take a drive elsewhere.
The young Dane raced for the Woking-based constructor in 2014, but was demoted to the role of reserve driver after Fernando Alonso quit Ferrari to re-join McLaren last winter.
However, Boullier has insisted that the team would have no problem, if they cannot offer him a seat on the grid next year.
Boullier is quoted by Autosport as saying: "If we can offer him something here, a drive - and I'm not the only one to decide - yes, he obviously takes priority.
"He is a McLaren driver, and he is always claiming he would like to race again for McLaren.
"But if we cannot then personally I would never stop him from racing somewhere else, of course."
McLaren are currently ninth in the constructors' championship.
