Kevin Magnussen has confirmed that he won’t be racing with Haas in the 2025 Formula 1 season, following a phone call from team boss Ayao Komatsu after the British Grand Prix.
Magnussen’s journey with Haas has been an eventful one. He was originally part of the team from 2017 to 2020 before being replaced as Haas sought drivers with more financial backing post-COVID-19. However, he returned in 2022 after the departure of Nikita Mazepin, becoming the team’s longest-serving driver apart from their debut season in 2016 and the year 2021.
The news of his departure came as Haas prepares to bring in Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman, with Nico Hulkenberg making a move to Sauber. Meanwhile, Magnussen’s seat is likely to be filled by current Alpine driver Esteban Ocon. Despite the shift, Magnussen remains optimistic about finding another seat in the competitive F1 grid, eyeing opportunities as they arise depending on moves by drivers such as Carlos Sainz.
Reflecting on his time with Haas, Magnussen expressed his attachment to the team, saying, “I’ve been with this team from the very beginning of Haas’ time in F1, so I’m very much a part of the family and it’s gonna be strange to leave the team at the end of the year.” Despite acknowledging the team’s decision to secure future drivers early, Magnussen finds it understandable. He stated, “It’s still quite early in the season. Haas has gone ahead and wants to secure the drivers for next year early enough, and there are still seats available.”
The current season has seen Haas becoming more competitive, partly due to their ongoing technical relationship with Ferrari and potential collaboration with Toyota. Magnussen remarked, “I would have liked to continue here… it would have been cool to see the fruits of the momentum that’s been built here recently.” Even as he faces uncertainty, he sees the situation as an opportunity to explore other promising projects within the F1 world.
Magnussen’s credentials and experience are well-known in F1 circles. While he isn’t keen on reservist roles, Magnussen remains open to exploring other roles at Haas if driving opportunities elsewhere don’t materialize. He asserted, “I don’t see myself putting an end to racing anytime soon. Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, but I’ve always been of the opinion that racing outside of F1 is also awesome.” This open-mindedness reflects his love for racing, be it within F1 or beyond.
With several teams yet to finalize their line-ups, Magnussen is patiently waiting, aware that the F1 driver market can be unpredictable. He indicated, “It’s a lot better to have clarity early on but, at the moment, I just know I’m not gonna be racing here next year.” His journey remains uncertain but filled with possibilities.
As Kevin Magnussen navigates his exit from Haas, he remains hopeful about his future in Formula 1. His experience and adaptability position him as a valuable player on the market, and he remains committed to exploring all avenues to remain in the sport he loves.
