BREAKING: Veteran F1 driver Kevin Magnussen set to leave Haas

Veteran F1 driver Kevin Magnussen is set to leave Haas at the end of the season when his contract expires. The Danish driver has had a significant journey with the team, spanning seven seasons in two spells (2017-2020 and 2022-2024).

Magnussen's career with Haas has been highlighted by numerous accomplishments, including a career-high ninth in the standings in 2018, where he scored points in 11 out of 21 races. This achievement contributed to Haas's best-ever finish in the constructors' championship that year, securing fifth place.

Haas's Future with Ollie Bearman and Potential New Drivers

Notably, Haas recently announced that Ollie Bearman would make his full-time racing debut with the team in 2025. This announcement came just weeks before revealing that Magnussen would not be partnering with Bearman.

As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, speculation surrounds who will fill the second seat, with sources suggesting Esteban Ocon as a favourite. However, Haas has not confirmed their plans for the second seat. This transition marks a significant change for the team as they look to the future with a fresh lineup.

Komatsu speaks up about Magnussen's contributions

Haas's team boss Ayao Komatsu expressed his gratitude for Magnussen's contributions over the years. He highlighted memorable moments, such as Magnussen's unexpected fifth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022, which marked his return to the team.

Komatsu acknowledged Magnussen's role as a cornerstone of Haas's driver lineup, praising his dedication and talent. He also hinted at the possibility of continuing to work with Magnussen in a different capacity, valuing his extensive experience and knowledge of the team's operations.

“I’d like to thank Kevin for everything he’s given us as a team – both on and off the track,” said Komatsu. “He’s truly been a bedrock of our driver line-up over the years. Nobody’s driven more races for us and we’ve had some memorable highlights together – not least a remarkable fifth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022 when Kevin returned to start his second spell with the team.”

“He wasn’t expecting to be driving a Formula 1 car that weekend, but he put in a remarkable performance that was a tremendous boost to the entire organization and once again showcased his talents behind the wheel.”