Haas have retained Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen for 2024 F1 season.
Hulkenberg joined Haas this season as Mick Schumacher’s replacement and currently sits 14th in the drivers’ standings with nine points.
Magnussen meanwhile in his second season back with the team has scored just two points and lies 18th in the standings, whilst Haas sit eighth in the constructors’ standings with 11 points – albeit level with Williams who sit seventh by virtue of Alex Albon’s seventh-placed finish in Canada.
Haas nevertheless are happy with the performances of both drivers and have retained Hulkenberg plus Magnussen for next season, in favour of continuity and experience rather than bringing in a new rookie.
“I think it’s safe to say that we’ve had an extremely solid driver pairing this season in Formula 1 and ultimately there was no reason to look to change that moving forward,” said Team Principal, Guenther Steiner.
Steiner went on to add that he is “delighted” Magnussen will stay with the team for a “seventh season in Haas colors.
“With 113 starts for our team alone, we know where his strengths lie and his knowledge and experience of our organization pairs very well with that too.”
Steiner also praised Hulkenberg for how he responded to three years on the sidelines amidst three stand-in appearances during 2020 for Racing Point, as he believes that the German “simply slotted in without fuss or fanfare and proved himself to be a valuable member of the team.”
Haas’ VF-23 car this season has underperformed but Steiner praised his drivers for their “invaluable” feedback in relation to their “engineering objectives.”
Steiner also praised both drivers for how they have built a professional working relationship with their experiece, as he added: “Kevin and Nico gelled well right from the get-go and together they’ve both scored points, and in particular, Nico has excelled in qualifying – getting into Q3 on six occasions.”
Expanding upon their partnership, Steiner continued: “Of note is also just how much energy both drivers bring to the table, they’ve been fantastic not only in terms of their engagement within the team, but critically, in our partner activations and fan facing opportunities.
“Kevin and Nico are clearly enjoying their time in the sport, they both have mature heads on their shoulders, and they fundamentally understand what it is we’re asking of them. In turn, now it’s down to us as a team to look ahead to 2024 and ensure we have a car that’s capable of scoring points consistently.”
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