Kevin Magnussen has signed a multi-year deal to make an exciting comeback to Formula 1 with Haas in 2022, following the team’s decision to part with Nikita Mazepin before the start of the season.
After driving in Formula 1 for McLaren (2014-15) and Renault (2016), Magnussen raced for Haas from 2017 until his victory. stay away from sports At the end of the 2020 season.
The Danish driver then moved to the United States, participated in sports cars and IndyCar, and was due to join Peugeot’s World Endurance Championship team in 2022.
But Magnussen, 29, will instead make an unexpected return to Formula 1 for second-year driver partner Mick Schumacher for next season, following Haas’ decision – announced last saturday Termination of Mazepin’s contract with immediate effect.
Read more: Haas splits from Nikita Mazepin ‘with immediate effect’
Team Principal Guenther Steiner said: “I am delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen back to the Haas F1 team. When looking for a driver who can add 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 take advantage of him as a resource for pre-season testing along with both Mick Schumacher and Pietro Fittipaldi. Petro will be #1 this week with a half day test run on Thursday – this is a great opportunity for him, Mick and Kevin doing The rest is before the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Read more: Analysis – why Haas brought Magnussen back to Formula 1
“Kevin has been a key component of our past successes – not least when we both scored our best finishes in Formula 1 in 2018. He has continued to show last year that he is an elite race car driver adding wins and podiums to his resume.
“As a veteran in both the garage and engineering room, he will provide us with a solid benchmark through the continued development of the VF-22. We all look forward to welcoming Kevin again this week in Bahrain.”
Magnussen added: “I was obviously very surprised but equally excited to take the call from the Haas F1 team. I was looking in a different direction in terms of my 2022 commitments, but the opportunity to come back to compete in Formula 1, and with a team I know well, was simply very attractive. I would really like to thank both Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing for releasing me right away – they are both great organisations.
“Of course, I would also like to thank Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for the opportunity to resume my Formula 1 career – I know how competitive they are and how keen they are to be back in action week by week. We have had a strong relationship and our positive relationship remained even when I left at the end of 2020.
“I have been kept as informed as possible about the development of the VF-22 and the capabilities in the package. There is work to be done but I am excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain.”
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