Magnussen targeting 2025 F1 drive despite Haas exit

Following the news that his contract with Haas would not be renewed for 2025, Kevin Magnussen has stated that his plan is to seek another drive in Formula 1.

It was announced on the Thursday ahead of Hungary that Magnussen and Haas would be parting ways at the end of 2024, after seven seasons – split across two stints – together.

Haas are yet to announce who will partner British driver Ollie Bearman at the team in 2025, with Magnussen’s current team mate Nico Hulkenberg having also announced earlier this season that he would be joining Sauber for 2025.

But despite Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu having talked of a “special relationship” with Magnussen in the statement announcing his departure, which could see him and Haas continuing to work together “in some capacity”, Magnussen admitted he still had his eyes on an F1 seat for 2025 with another team – with vacancies available at the likes of Mercedes, Alpine and Williams.

“I think right now, there are still many seats available in Formula 1 next year,” said Magnussen. “It’s all quite open, so I think the best thing to do is just do good races and that means you’re staying in the hunt for those available seats.

SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA - JUNE 30: Kevin Magnussen of Denmark driving the (20) Haas F1 VF-24 Ferrari on — Magnussen has scored 5 points to Hulkenberg's 22 points in 2024

“Of course I can’t be working with Haas if I’m working with another Formula 1 team,” added Magnussen of Komatsu’s comments, “but it’s nice to hear, it shows… he’s grateful for my contribution to the team and wants to kind of hang onto it, which I’m of course open to if my situation allows it.

“Honestly, I think that would be a really positive and very natural kind of road to take. Of course it can only happen if I’m not racing in Formula 1.”

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

Asked about the capabilities that make him an attractive candidate for rival teams, meanwhile, Magnussen replied: “I think there’s only a couple of very experienced drivers left on the grid and I think it’s all very open.

“I think [other teams] can of course take rookies, but if they want experienced drivers, proven drivers, I think then there’s only a couple available, so let’s see how it pans out.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 23: Kevin Magnussen of Denmark and Haas F1 waves to the crowd on the — Magnussen is eyeing other seats on the grid for 2025

“I’m going to focus on the season and just have a little bit of patience because Carlos [Sainz] needs to make his mind up and then it seems like… who knows, maybe some other teams will get impatient and make a move anyway. But the best thing to do is do good races.”

Sources currently point to current Alpine driver Esteban Ocon being the most likely candidate to replace Magnussen at Haas. But whatever happens, Magnussen said the process of discovering that he wouldn’t be continuing his journey with the Haas team he first raced for back in 2017 had been a “very transparent” one.

“I think it’s been a very open conversation, very transparent,” said Magnussen. “Ayao is a very honest guy and I think that’s kind of been the case with this team from the very beginning. So I think the process has been very good and very healthy, if you want, and honest at least.”