ANALYSIS: Bearman in, Magnussen out – so what's next for Haas?

Haas showed Kevin Magnussen the greatest of respect for his efforts across two stints with the team by announcing his departure in a standalone press release ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. But it still raises the question – who will they replace him with?

When Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner needed a driver to replace Nikita Mazepin, their first call was to Magnussen – a driver they had let go the previous season to allow them to run a rookie line-up for 2021.

READ MORE: Magnussen to leave Haas when contract expires at the end of 2024 season

Magnussen didn’t hold any grudges after getting dropped. The Dane had a fantastic relationship with the team, from the owners to the engineers and mechanics. He was a popular member of the outfit, who had played a key role in their growth, including a fifth-place finish for the team in 2018.

The now 31-year-old accepted the call to return and has since played an important role in helping the team battle through a difficult period where the midfield has been closer than ever, including a brilliant fifth on his return to racing action in Bahrain in 2022.

The decision, then, to part ways with him has been difficult. Haas have a lot of respect for Magnussen and the job he has done for the team. He is the squad’s longest tenured driver and has played a key role in their growth.

It’s clear from Ayao Komatsu’s quotes in the press release announcing Magnussen’s departure from a race seat at the end of the season that the team have a lot of time for the Dane. But they accept now is the time to move in a different direction.

READ MORE: Haas further extend long-running technical partnership with Ferrari

That said, the team want to keep him in the family in some way. They know his experience could be helpful as they look to establish themselves as a genuine midfield force in the short term. Komatsu’s quotes suggest that desire is heartfelt and extensive.

It remains to be seen whether Magnussen will take a role with the team – and how he could dovetail that with a racing campaign in another series (something it is believed he is keen to do as he has the hunger to compete).

That aside, this was a classy way to part ways. Haas showed Magnussen the respect he deserved after a significant stint with the team.

Naturally, the next question is who will replace him and partner rookie Ollie Bearman next season.

READ MORE: Haas explain Bearman’s contribution in FP1 sessions amid praise for his ‘pretty impressive’ feedback

That Haas have been comfortable enough to confirm Magnussen will be departing means they have a plan for his replacement.

Multiple sources have confirmed to me that Alpine’s Esteban Ocon is set to get the seat – though the team have yet to confirm their plans.

Ocon is understood to be highly-rated by boss Komatsu, who has worked with the Frenchman earlier in his racing career and knows his speed.

Ocon has performed strongly against Pierre Gasly during their time together at Alpine – and finished ahead of double world champion Fernando Alonso in 2022 when they were team mates in 2022.

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He’s on the lookout for a seat in F1 next year, after he and Alpine decided to part ways at the end of the season following five years together.

The Sauber/Audi project was understood to be interested in him – as were Williams – but Haas have emerged as his preferred option.