Kevin Magnussen has signed a multi-year deal for a sensational F1 return with Team Haas in 2022 following the team’s decision to part ways with Nikita Mazepin before the start of the season.
Driving in Formula One for McLaren (2014-15) and Renault (2016), Magnussen drove for Haas from 2017 until his retirement at the end of the 2020 season.
The Danish driver then moved to the US, taking part in sportscars and IndyCar, and was due to join the Peugeot World Endurance Championship team in 2022.
But instead, the 29-year-old Magnussen will unexpectedly return to F1 with his sophomore partner Mick Schumacher for the coming season following Haas’ decision, announced last Saturday, to terminate Mazepin’s contract immediately.
READ MORE: Haas parts ways with Nikita Mazepin ‘with immediate effect’
Magnussen last played for the team at the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Team Principal Günter Steiner said: “I am delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen back to the Haas F1 team. When looking for a driver who could bring value to the team, not to mention rich experience in Formula 1, Kevin was an easy choice for us.
“The immediate availability of Kevin means we can use him as a resource for pre-season testing along with Mick Schumacher and Pietro Fittipaldi. Pietro will be first this week, running a half day of testing on Thursday – a great opportunity for him – and Mick and Kevin will do the rest ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
READ MORE: ANALYSIS – Why Haas brought Magnussen back to F1
“Kevin has been a key component of our previous successes – not least when we both achieved top results in Formula 1 in 2018. Last year, he continued to show that he is an elite driver, adding victories and podium finishes to his resume.
“As a veteran present in both the garage and the engine room, he will be a solid reference point for us in the ongoing development of the VF-22. We are all looking forward to meeting Kevin this week in Bahrain.”
Team leader Günter Steiner (left) and owner Gene Haas (right)
Magnussen added: “Of course I was very surprised, but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team. I was looking in a different direction with my 2022 commitments, but the opportunity to come back to compete in Formula 1 and with a team I know very well was just too appealing. I really have to say thank you to both Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing for getting me out quickly – both great organizations.
“Of course, I also want to thank Gene Haas and Günther Steiner for giving me the opportunity to restart my Formula 1 career – I know how competitive they are both and how eager they are to return to competition every week. We had a strong relationship and our positive associations remained even when I left at the end of 2020.
“I was informed in as much detail as possible about the development of the VF-22 and the capabilities of this package. There is work to be done, but I’m glad to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain again.”
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