Magnussen a doubt for Daytona 24 Hours as he gets set for hand surgery ahead of 2023 F1 season

Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen will undergo surgery on his left hand prior to the 2023 campaign, casting doubt over the Dane’s planned pre-season outing in the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Magnussen is signed up to drive an MDK Motorsport-run Porsche 911 GT3 alongside his father Jan at the legendary endurance event from January 28-29, after the pair contested the Gulf 12 Hours together at the Yas Marina Circuit in December.

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However, those plans could be put on hold, with next week’s operation leaving little time for the 30-year-old to recover and take to the track.

Explaining the situation, Magnussen said: “I had a sore wrist so I went to the doctor to have it looked at and they found a cyst that needs to be removed now so I can be ready for the F1 season.

“It’s a harmless procedure, but I probably need to rest for a couple of weeks afterwards. I need to wait and see what the doctor says, but it’s unlikely that I can race at Daytona.”

Following on from Magnussen’s comments, Haas issued a brief statement expressing confidence that their driver will be fighting fit for F1 pre-season testing, which is scheduled to take place in Bahrain from February 23-25.

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“Kevin Magnussen has kept MoneyGram Haas F1 Team fully briefed on his requirement for minor hand surgery. The team is looking forward to Kevin being at full strength for his pre-season testing commitments starting next month,” read the note.

Magnussen will be joined by a new team mate at Haas in 2023, with Nico Hulkenberg returning to the sport in place of Mick Schumacher, who has taken up the reserve role at Mercedes.