Kevin Magnussen is back! The former Haas F1 Team driver has been recalled by the team to replace Nikita Mazepin and scupper the hopes that Pietro Fittipaldi would get the drive.
Haas have opted for an old hand, a driver that knows them and they know him. Formula 1 veteran Magnussen will also provide teammate Mick Schumacher a useful barmeter and benchmark, far better than the German had with Mazepin in the sister car last year.
The Haas F1 Team statement confirming Magnussen as their driver:
Haas F1 Team has signed Kevin Magnussen to drive alongside Mick Schumacher in the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship in a multi-year contract agreement with the Danish racer.
Magnussen will drive the team’s VF-22 for the first time in the official pre-season test at Bahrain International Circuit, 10-12 March – joining Schumacher and test and reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi at the test.
“I’m delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen back to Haas F1 Team,” commented Guenther Steiner, Team Principal of Haas F1 Team. “When looking for a driver who could bring 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 tap into him as a resource for pre-season testing alongside both Mick Schumacher and Pietro Fittipaldi.
“Pietro’s going to be first in this week with half a day’s running at the test on Thursday – that’s a great opportunity for him, with Mick and Kevin doing the rest ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.”
Steiner continued; “Kevin was a key component in our previous successes – not least when we both scored our best finishes in Formula 1 back in 2018.
“He continued to show last year that he’s an elite race car driver adding wins and podiums to his resume. As a veteran presence in both the garage and the engineering room, he’ll provide a solid benchmark for us with the on-going development of the VF-22. We’re all looking forward to welcoming Kevin back this week in Bahrain.”
“I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team,” stated 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 I know extremely well, was simply too appealing.
“I really have to say thank you to both Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing for releasing me promptly – both are great organizations.
“Naturally, I also want to thank Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for the chance to resume my Formula 1 career – I know just how competitive they both are and how keen they are to return to competing week in and week out.
“We’ve enjoyed a solid relationship and our positive association remained even when I left at the end of 2020. I’ve been briefed as much as possible on the development of the VF-22 and the potential in the package.
“There’s work to do but I’m excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain,” added Magnussen.
Haas tweeted the news today:
Welcome back, K-Mag! 🇩🇰@KevinMagnussen will partner @SchumacherMick in our 2022 driver line-up 🤝#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/L4bz9TfMcR
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 9, 2022