Kevin Magnussen has been announced as Nikita Mazepin’s replacement at Haas after previously being replaced by the Russian last season.
Magnussen previously drove for Haas between 2017-20 alongside Romain Grosjean but the pair were released at the end of 2020 season, after Haas opted for an all-rookie line-up for last season which saw Mick Schumacher and Mazepin fail to score points.
Mazepin however has now been released from his contract due to his family’s links to Russia President, Vladimir Putin, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last month.
Magnussen consequently has been handed a return to F1 and Haas amidst rumours linking Pietro Fittipaldi and Antonio Giovinazzi to the race seat, with the Dane having scored 96 points in four previous seasons for the American constructor.
“I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team,” commented Magnussen on his unexpected return after previously looking set to race in World Endurance for Peugeot and IMSA Sportscar Championship for Chip Ganassi.
“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.”
Magnussen was also grateful to Haas owner, Gene Haas and Team Principal – Guenther Steiner for providing him with this chance to return to F1, whilst iterating his awareness of how eager Haas are to return to their competitive ways this season.
Teasing what he is expecting from the pre-season test in Bahrain which gets underway tomorrow (10 March), Magnussen said: “I’ve been briefed as much as possible on the development of the VF-22 and the potential in the package.
“There’s work to do but I’m excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain.”
Steiner is “delighted” to welcome Magnussen back and described his return as “a straightforward decision” given his F1 experience, although he will only have a day worth of running in the VF-22 ahead of the new season.
Explaining Haas’ testing plans after delays with freight ruled them out of the morning session tomorrow, Steiner said: “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.”
Magnussen spent 2021 racing in ISMA Sportscar where he picked up one win and four further podiums but Steiner is confident that he will adapt quickly back into the F1 environment and help to “provide a solid benchmark for us with the on-going development of the VF-22.”
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