Haas was considering a number of nominees for the 2022 season, after deciding they could not continue with Nikita Mazepin and Russian title sponsor Uralkali in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. The hottest names seemed to be those of experienced drivers such as Antonio Giovinazzi and Nico Hulkenberg, but in the end he decided to focus on the return of a great ex like Kevin Magnussen to join Mick Schumacher.
The Danish son of art, in fact, has already driven for the US team for four seasons, from 2017 to 2020. Last season then the separation took place, because the structure of Gene Haas chose the young line with two rookies as Schumacher and Mazepin.
After losing his place in Formula 1, Magnussen moved on to endurance racing, racing mainly in IMSA, but also competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside his father Jan last season. By 2022 he had already made commitments to race with Peugeot in the WEC, in the new Hypercar program, and in IMSA with Ganassi Racing, but both have already released them for his new commitment in F1, which will already begin with testing in Bahrain. of this week.
“I am delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen back to Haas,” commented team principal Gunther Steiner. “When we were looking for a driver who could bring value to the team, not to mention his great experience in Formula 1, Kevin was a simple decision for us.”
“Kevin’s immediate availability means we can use him as a pre-season test resource alongside Mick Schumacher and Pietro Fittipaldi. Pietro will be the first on track this week with half a day of testing on Thursday, with Mick and Kevin doing the rest first. of the Bahrain Grand Prix “.
“Kevin has been a key component in our previous successes – not least when we both achieved our best Formula 1 results in 2018. He went on to prove last year that he is an elite driver, adding wins and podiums to his. As a veteran, he will provide a solid benchmark for us with the development of the VF-22. We are all looking forward to welcoming Kevin to Bahrain this week, “he added.
“I was obviously very surprised but also very excited to get the call from Haas,” said Magnussen. “I was looking in a different direction regarding my commitments for 2022, but the opportunity to return to compete in Formula 1, and with a team that I know extremely well, was just too attractive. I really have to say thank you both to Peugeot. than to Chip Ganassi Racing for releasing me promptly, both are great teams. “
“Of course, I also want to thank Gene Haas and Gunther Steiner for the chance to resume my Formula 1 career. I know how competitive they are both and how eager they are to get back to racing week after week. We have had a solid relationship and our relationship is remained positive even when I left the team at the end of 2020. I have been informed as much as possible about the development of the VF-22 and the potential of the package. There is work to be done, but I am excited to be a part of it. time to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain “, concluded the Dane.
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