By alley - Oct 17, 2016, 1:35 PM ET

INDYCAR: Magnussen in frame at Andretti

Kevin Magnussen could have an opportunity in the Verizon IndyCar Series if he isn't retained by the Renault Sport Formula 1 program.

The former McLaren-Honda F1 pilot was first mentioned as an option for the Honda-powered Andretti Autosport during the 2015 off-season, and with his F1 future in question once again, it's believed the 24-year-old is a top candidate to complete Andretti's four-car roster if he parts ways with Renault. Rumors of a solid financial incentive being offered to run Magnussen in IndyCar have also made the rounds.

A team spokesperson declined to comment when asked by RACER whether the Dane is in line for a drive with Andretti.

Magnussen made a strong impression on his F1 debut with McLaren in 2014, but with the team's switch from Mercedes to Honda the following year, he was parked in favor of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. Faced with another season of inactivity in 2016, Magnussen exited McLaren to sign with the relaunched Renault F1 program alongside 2014 GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer.

Praise from Renault's management for the pair has been sparse this year, and with last week's confirmation that Force India's Nico Hulkenberg is moving over to

fill one of Renault's seats in 2017

, at least one of its current drivers will be seeking new employment.

Given Honda's clear appreciation for his talent, a driver of Magnussen's caliber would fit the brand's rededicated efforts to overtake Chevy's all-conquering IndyCar program.

From a family standpoint, Magnussen's father Jan turned to American open-wheel racing on more than one occasion during his F1 career. A free agent after his F1 debut with McLaren in 1995, the elder Magnussen - then just 23 years old - made four appearances in the CART IndyCar Series with Roger Penske and Carl Hogan in 1996, and returned with Patrick Racing in 1999 (LEFT) to add another seven races to his CV.

Despite his pedigree, the younger Magnussen isn't the only driver being considered for the open Andretti seat alongside 2012 series champion and 2014 Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi, and team veteran Marco Andretti. Honda favorite Takuma Sato, who drove for A.J. Foyt Racing through 2016 (but lost his seat when

the team left the Japanese brand for Chevy

carries a massive amount of support from the manufacturer. Between the limited number of seats available in Honda-powered teams, and the financial enticements that come with signing the 39-year-old Tokyo native, Sato could find himself in a prime position at Andretti if Magnussen is unavailable.

Andretti veteran Carlos Munoz, who completed his third season with the team and led Hunter-Reay, Rossi, and Andretti in the championship standings, is also a candidate to remain in the fourth car. However the talented Colombian lacks the budget to compete financially with a Magnussen or Sato, and would need the team to fill a significant funding shortfall after his family backing was all but severed heading into 2017. He's also being considered as a replacement for Sato at Foyt, which could simplify the situation for Andretti's sponsorship hunters.

It's believed there are more drivers with an eye on the fourth Andretti seat in negotiations with the team, and in light of the frenetic pace of the Silly Season to date, the race to complete Andretti's IndyCar roster has become another interesting thread to follow.