Kevin Magnussen in Talks Over New Haas Role as F1 2024 Exit Nears
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Kevin Magnussen discusses his potential future with Haas in F1 2025 despite being dropped at the end of 2024. The Danish driver is open to staying with the team in a different capacity.
As the 2024 Formula 1 season draws to a close, Kevin Magnussen is preparing for his exit from the Haas F1 Team but has expressed interest in continuing his relationship with the team in a different capacity for the 2025 season. With Haas set to field a completely new driver lineup next season, Magnussen is exploring options to maintain his ties to the team despite being dropped as a full-time driver.
Magnussen Faces 2024 F1 Exit as Haas Prepares for 2025
Haas F1 will usher in a fresh driver pairing for the 2025 season, with current Alpine driver Esteban Ocon joining Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman. While Magnussen’s current teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, has already secured a move to Audi F1 in 2026, Magnussen is poised to be without a seat for the 2024 season. Despite this, Magnussen remains eager to stay involved with Haas in a non-driving role.
Magnussen’s departure from the full-time seat follows a season in which he showed his resilience. Although he was the first driver to be handed a race ban under Formula 1’s penalty points system earlier this year, Magnussen’s performance has improved in recent months. His impressive seventh-place finish at the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix marked his best result since Bahrain 2022, showcasing his skill and consistency despite the challenges of a competitive F1 grid.
Magnussen Open to New Haas Role for 2025
During a conversation with the media at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Magnussen revealed that both he and Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu are in discussions about how they can continue working together beyond 2024. Magnussen explained that they both want to find a way to maintain a professional relationship for the 2025 season, even if it is not as a driver.
“I think we have been clear that we want to work together in some capacity. We are talking about how we could do that,” Magnussen said. “A little bit it’s come from Ayao, and I’m open to hear what he is thinking and see if I can be helpful in any way.”
Could Magnussen Trade Places with Bearman?
One possibility for Magnussen’s continued involvement with Haas could be a swap with Ferrari junior Bearman, who is currently serving as a reserve driver for Haas in 2024. Bearman has already filled in for Magnussen on a few occasions this season, including at the Azerbaijan and Brazilian Grands Prix. While Magnussen is open to this possibility, he remains focused on finishing the 2024 season strong and embracing whatever opportunities arise next.
Magnussen Reflects on His F1 Career
As Magnussen approaches what could be his final races in Formula 1, he reflected on his career and the challenges he has faced. Having already been dropped by Haas at the end of the 2020 season and demoted to a reserve role at McLaren after his debut year in 2014, Magnussen is no stranger to the highs and lows of Formula 1.
“No, I don’t think so. For myself, I’ve been in this situation twice before, so it’s the third time that I feel like this is going to be the last race,” Magnussen said. “I just know that you never know, so it’s kind of fine in a way. I don’t really think about it. Next year I’m not going to be in Formula 1, that’s pretty clear, but I’ve learned over the years and with my experiences from one that every race you do, you just have to enjoy it.”
Magnussen Not the Only Outgoing Driver Facing Future Uncertainty
Magnussen is not the only driver facing an uncertain future in F1 2024. Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, who have both been dropped by Audi F1, are also reportedly in talks with other teams about taking on reserve roles for 2025. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that Bottas is in talks to rejoin the Mercedes team, where he previously secured 10 F1 victories between 2017 and 2021.
“We’ve been talking for quite a long time. Obviously, this weekend I’ve been focusing on racing but it’s nice words from [Wolff] and I’m sure we will catch up again either [Sunday] or Monday,” Bottas said, highlighting the positive discussions surrounding his potential return to Mercedes.
Meanwhile, Zhou Guanyu has also been in discussions with Ferrari over a potential backup role for the 2025 season. Zhou confirmed that he has other options on the table but is keen on securing a role in a competitive team that will help him continue learning and developing as a driver.
Conclusion: Magnussen’s F1 Future Remains Uncertain
As the 2024 season draws to a close, Kevin Magnussen is already planning for the next phase of his career, exploring ways to stay involved with Haas in a non-driving capacity. With the announcement of a new driver lineup at Haas for 2025, Magnussen’s future in Formula 1 is uncertain. However, his openness to continuing his relationship with the team and his determination to enjoy his remaining races show that he remains focused on contributing in any way he can.
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