WATCH: Nico Hulkenberg opens up about his 'tricky' relationship with Kevin Magnussen ahead of Hungarian Grand Prix

Haas veteran Kevin Magnussen will part ways with the team following the conclusion of his contract at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. Magnussen, who has been an integral part of Haas for multiple seasons (2017–2020 and 2022–2024), is currently in his seventh season with the team.

This season, he has scored five points, in contrast to his teammate Nico Hulkenberg's 22 points. In the pre-race press conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hulkenberg was asked whether Magnussen deserved a seat in Formula 1 next year. Hulkenberg responded with high praise for his teammate, highlighting their improved relationship and professional rapport.

"Yeah, I enjoyed working with him these two years. It has been delightful and you know we get on well after our little romance here like a couple of years ago," Hulkenberg said, referencing their infamous on-track incident.

Here is the video:

They've come a long way since *that* moment here in 2017 🤣



Nico Hulkenberg only has good things to say about his departing Haas team mate, and friend, Kevin Magnussen 🤝#F1 @HaasF1Team pic.twitter.com/MOmnEgfgUX

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 18, 2024

"You know it was quite a turnaround of our relationship and kind of turned into friendship. And I think you know we work well as a team. We kind of push in the same direction most of the time and yeah it's been nice and a pleasure and I wish him the best and all the best for the future."

A mighty 2018 season for Kevin Magnussen

Kevin Magnussen's tenure at Haas is marked by notable achievements, particularly his 2018 season when he finished a career-high ninth in the standings, scoring points in 11 of the 21 races. That year, Haas achieved their best-ever fifth place in the constructors’ championship. 

Also Check: BREAKING: Veteran F1 driver Kevin Magnussen set to leave Haas

Despite the upcoming departure, the team expressed their gratitude and hinted at a continued relationship in some capacity. "I’d like to thank Kevin for everything he’s given us as a team – both on and off the track. He’s truly been a bedrock of our driver line-up over the years," said Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu in a statement.

"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. There’s plenty of racing to go this year so I’m looking forward to seeing what else we can achieve with Kevin as we push together in the championship."

Komatsu also expressed hope for future collaboration with Magnussen, acknowledging the special bond formed over the years. "Beyond that, and with Kevin’s special relationship with the team, I’m hoping we can find a way to keep working together in some capacity."