Kevin Magnussen has accomplished an incredible return to System 1 with the previous Haas group as a substitute for Nikita Mazepin, it was introduced on Wednesday.
Magnussen, 29, of Denmark, raced in Haas for 4 seasons between 2017 and 2020 earlier than he and Romain Grosjean have been disqualified in favor of Mazepin and Mick Schumacher in 2023.
Magnussen’s F1 profession gave the impression to be over at that time and he has raced in IndyCar, IMSA and the World Endurance Championship since then, however Haas’ resolution to chop ties with Mazepin and title sponsor Uralkali opened up an unlikely alternative for the Danish driver.
The signing, a multi-year deal, was confirmed on the eve of pre-season two testing forward of F1’s new season.
Sources informed ESPN that Magnussen emerged because the lead candidate this week and that talks between the 2 events have accelerated over the previous 48 hours.
Regardless of Magnussen’s well-known clashes with Haas boss Guenther Steiner, which was proven within the Netflix collection “System 1: Drive to Survive”, he left on an excellent relationship with the group.
In his earlier stint in System 1, Magnussen was a well-known driver, thought of a tricky racer who did not have the automotive to essentially present his capacity.
Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi has been nominated as a candidate, however it’s understood that he has not been severely thought of for the function.
“I used to be clearly very shocked however equally excited to obtain the decision from the Haas F1 group,” Magnussen mentioned in an announcement. “I used to be trying in a unique route by way of my 2023 commitments, however the alternative to return to compete in System 1, and with a group I do know properly, was merely very enticing.”
Magnussen’s arrival is a significant increase for Haas after a tough begin to 2023, which included firing Mazepin/Uralkali, a primary pre-season take a look at hampered by automotive points and delivery delays this week that may see the opening morning missed not less than this week. Pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Magnussen will work with Schumacher within the second 12 months of System One, the son of seven-time world champion Michael.
Schumacher outperformed Mazepin comfortably and recurrently in 2023, and Magnussen will present a significantly better measuring stick for the younger German participant.
Schumacher, who shares Giovinazzi as Ferrari’s F1 reserve driver, is arguably probably the most well-known racing title and synonymous with the Italian group because of his father’s success there within the late Nineties and early 2000s.
In consequence, he has at all times tended to boost the ranks. Schumacher’s push towards Magnussen is more likely to be some of the thrilling occasions of the 12 months.
MAG BACK#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/aUUS7lms0N
– Haas F1 Group (@HaasF1Team) March 9, 2023
“I’m delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen again to the Haas System 1 Group,” Steiner mentioned in an announcement.
“When searching for a driver who can deliver worth to the group, to not point out a wealth of System 1 expertise, Kevin’s resolution was clear to us. Kevin’s instant availability means we will make the most of him as a useful resource for pre-season testing alongside each Mick Schumacher and Pietro Fittipaldi.
Magnussen has at all times been thought of an unrealized sporting expertise, as he by no means had a very aggressive automotive.
He completed second in his System 1 debut with McLaren on the 2014 Australian Grand Prix, however his arrival on the group coincided together with his fall from the highest of the aggressive standings and by no means completed on the rostrum once more within the 118 begin that adopted.
A stint at Renault adopted earlier than he moved to Haas. Magnussen performed a key function in Haas’s fifth place end in 2018.
