Kevin Magnussen returns to F1 by replacing Nikita Mazepin for empty Haas seat


Kevin Magnussen returns to F1 by replacing Nikita Mazepin for empty Haas seat

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen

The impending question of a possible replacement for Nikita Mazepin has finally been answered! We now know who is going to partner up with Mick Schumacher for American-based racing team Haas. It was a well established fact that Haas was going to reveal their new driver ahead of the second phase of testing in Bahrain.

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Haas F1 Team recently reported in an official statement that they’ve welcomed back former Haas driver Kevin Magnussen to be their new driver on the grid. This has been received very well from Haas fans and Formula One fans alike who have adored Magnussen. The Danish driver drove for Haas from 2017-2020. Kevin Magnussen had scored a podium on his debut back in 2014 with Mclaren. In 2018, the Roskilde-born driver finished ninth in the Formula One Drivers’ Championship with Haas F1 Team, recording top 10 results in 11 of the VF-18’s 21 races, including a couple of fifth-place finishes in Bahrain and Austria.

Throughout the year of 2021, Magnussen continued to demonstrate his racing prowess. The Dane finished fourth in his first season in the United States after winning a race in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Chip Ganassi Racing. The 2021 season also saw a race debut for High Class Racing in the LMP2 category along with his father Jan Magnussen at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as a one-off IndyCar race for Arrow McLaren SP at Road America.

“I’m delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen back to Haas F1 Team” : Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner

Kevin Magnussen with Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner
Kevin Magnussen with Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner

“I’m delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen back to Haas F1 Team. When looking for a driver who could bring value to the team, not to mention a wealth of Formula 1 experience, Kevin was a straightforward decision for us. Kevin’s immediate availability means we can tap into him as a resource for pre-season testing alongside both Mick Schumacher and Pietro Fittipaldi. Pietro’s going to be first in this week with half a day’s running at the test on Thursday – that’s a great opportunity for him, with Mick and Kevin doing the rest ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix,” said Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner in his welcoming statement for the Danish driver.

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Steiner went on to stress on Magnussen’s driving prowess that he displayed during his four-year stint at Haas. He also congratulated Magnussen on his wins and podiums from last season that are a testament to his tenacity as a driver. Steiner believes that it was an easy choice for them once Kevin was one of the candidates for Mazepin’s seat due to his established resume in Formula One. He further mentioned that they’re looking forward to working with the Danish driver again.

On being asked about his call to Haas F1 Racing Team, Magnussen mentioned, “I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team. I was looking in a different direction regarding my commitments for 2022 but the opportunity to return to compete in Formula 1, and with a team I know extremely well, was simply too appealing. I really have to say thank you to both Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing for releasing me promptly – both are great organizations. “ He further thanked Haas owner Gene Haas and Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner for offering him the golden opportunity to drive as an F1 driver again.

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