The rumor was circulating in the paddock, all that was missing was the official announcement that has now arrived: Kevin Magnussen will leave the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team seat at the end of this season, as per his contract. The drivers' market has shaken up again.
Contract between Haas and Magnussen completed
The Haas team will not renew the contract of the longest-serving driver in the team's history. Magnussen, in fact, is in his seventh season with the American team (2017-2020, 2022-2024) with 135 starts out of 175 in his career and another 12 still to be made.
With ninth place in the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship in the 2018 season, the Danish driver helped the team achieve its best result ever, fifth place in the Constructors' Championship.
In 2024, despite the various accidents and difficulties encountered, Magnussen achieved the top 10 in Australia and Austria.
Statements from Magnussen and the team
Kevin Magnussen said:
"I would like to extend my thanks to all members of the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team – I am proud to have raced for such a great team over the past few years. In particular, I would like to thank Gene Haas for his commitment to me, in particular for once again bringing me back to 2022 when I thought, at least at that time, that my time in Formula 1 was over. I experienced wonderful moments with this team, memories that I will never forget. I look forward to the next chapter in my racing career, but remain focused on giving it my all for the remainder of 2024 with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. "
Ayao Komatsu, the Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, said:
"I would like to thank Kevin for everything he has given us as a team, both on and off the track. He has truly been a cornerstone of our driver lineup over the years. We have enjoyed some memorable moments together, not least a remarkable fifth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022, when Kevin returned to begin his second spell with the team. He didn't expect to be driving a Formula 1 car that weekend, but he put in an amazing performance that gave a huge boost to the entire organization and showcased his talent once again. behind the wheel".
What will its future be?
Komatsu then continues by also talking about the future of the Dane:
"Sbut that we will be able to find a way to continue working together in some way. I hope to be able to define him in the near future, but his vast experience in Formula 1 and his knowledge of our working operations are undoubtedly useful for our growth and development."
