Kevin Magnussen is set to make a shock return to formula 1 after a series of unfortunate events saw Haas terminate Russian driver Nikita Mazepin's contract with the team. The Danish racing driver has signed a multi-year contract with the American outfit, and his experience with the team and in Formula 1 will come in handy to develop the VF-22 car as well as to mentor Mick Schumacher, who still has limited experience in F1. Magnussen was racing for Haas F1 team until the end of the 2020 season, before he and his team mate Romain Grosjean lost their seats to Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher for the 2021 season.
Also Read: Romain Grosjean & Kevin Magnussen To Leave Haas F1 Team At The End Of 2020
This last minute signing comes on the back of the team's decision to terminate their contract with Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, and his sponsors Uralkali. Amidst Russian invasion of Ukraine, Haas found themselves under tremendous pressure from fans to terminate their contract with Uralkali, a brand partially owned by Dmitry Mazepin, Nikita's father.
Also Read: F1: Haas Has Dropped Uralkali's Branding And Russian-Flag Themed Livery
Haas F1 team dropped Uralkali branding and ran a plain white livery on the final day of the first pre-season test
Also Read: Russian & Belarusian Drivers Can Compete In F1 Without National Flag
The Uralkali sponsorship was a driving factor behind Nikita Mazepin's contract with the American team, as the team had found themselves short of funds for the development of their 2022 car. Even though FIA concluded to allow Russian and Belarusian drivers to compete in F1 under a neutral flag, Motorsport UK banned Russian & Belarusian drivers from competing in motor sporting events in the country including the British GP. These developments including the threat that other countries might join the UK in banning Russian drivers made it unjustifiable for Haas to continue their contract with Mazepin.
Also Read: Mazepin To Miss British GP As Motorsport UK Bans Russian License Holders From Their Events
Haas had limited options to fill their seat with pre-season tests already underway and the season due to start in less than a fortnight. Amongst the front-runners for the seat were Antonio Giovinazzi who recently lost his F1 seat at Alfa Romeo to Guanyu Zhou, and Nico Hulkenberg, who has been favoured by Haas team principal Guenther Steiner over the past few years, but the move hasn't come to fruition.
Also Read: Alfa Romeo Announce Guanyu Zhou As The First Chinese F1 Driver
Pietro Fittipaldi, Haas F1 Team's reserve driver
Haas also considered their reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi for the drive - who stood in for the injured Grosjean after his fiery crash at Bahrain in 2020 - but this wasn't the most constructive option for the team owing to the driver's scarce experience behind the wheel of an F1 car.
Also Read: F1: Pietro Fittipaldi To Fill In For Romain Grosjean For 2nd Bahrain Race
Kevin Magnussen was also a likely choice for the American team given the short duration of time before the season kicked off. It was essential for the team to employ a driver who could get up to speed with the car and the team quickly, and Kevin's history with the team meant that it was a job half done for him, as he already knew the team and the environment well.
Another key factor in hiring Magnussen was his availability. Hulkenberg is a reserve driver for Aston Martin F1 team & it would've been a difficult process for Haas to get Aston Martin to release him from the contract in time to drive in the second pre-season test, while Giovinazzi is contracted with Dragon/Penske Autosport Formula E team, and negotiating his release would've been a lengthy process too. Magnussen on the other hand, was released from his contracts with Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing promptly, which meant that he can drive the VF-22 towards the end of the second pre-season test this week.
Kevin Magnussen in a Haas F1 car
Team Principal Guenther Steiner said: "I'm delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen back to Haas F1 Team. When looking for a driver who could bring value to the team, not to mention a wealth of Formula 1 experience, Kevin was a straightforward decision for us. Kevin's immediate availability means we can tap into him as a resource for pre-season testing alongside both Mick Schumacher and Pietro Fittipaldi."
Magnussen added: " I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team. I was looking in a different direction regarding my commitments for 2022 but the opportunity to return to compete in Formula 1, and with a team I know extremely well, was simply too appealing. I really have to say thank you to both Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing for releasing me promptly - both are great organizations."
Mick Schumacher will partner Kevin Magnussen at Haas
His success in racing in sports cars last year showed the world that he was still sharp, and his experience will come in handy for the team to develop their VF-22 car which is based on new regulations that came in place this year. He can also be a great mentor to his inexperienced teammate Mick Schumacher, and the duo can help pivot the team back towards the top of the midfield.
