MAGNUSSEN RETURNS TO HAAS

Haas F1 has opted for a familiar race in Kevin Magnussen to complete its driver line-up alongside Mick Schumacher for the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

The Danish racer will make a return to F1 after a year on the sidelines, having signed a new a multi-year contract agreement with the American team.

Magnussen, who previously spent 2017-2020 with Haas, will bring a wealth back to the squad who ran an all rookie line-up last season.

“I’m delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen back to Haas F1 Team,” commented Guenther Steiner, Team Principal of 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.

“Pietro’s going to be first in this week with half a day’s running at the test on Thursday – that’s a great opportunity for him, with Mick and Kevin doing the rest ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.”

Magnussen has a 119 career Formula 1 starts to his credit including stints at McLaren and Renault, having helped Haas score its best results during the 2018 season

“Kevin was a key component in our previous successes – not least when we both scored our best finishes in Formula 1 back in 2018.” Steiner continued.

“He continued to show last year that he’s an elite race car driver adding wins and podiums to his resume.

“As a veteran presence in both the garage and the engineering room, he’ll provide a solid benchmark for us with the on-going development of the VF-22. We’re all looking forward to welcoming Kevin back this week in Bahrain.”

In his year away from Formula 1, Magnussen recorded race wins in IMSA SportsCar Championship with Chip Ganassi Racing, made his debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well one-off IndyCar start for Arrow McLaren SP at Road America and was scheduled to be part of Peugeot’s factory driver line-up for the WEC this season.

“I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team,” stated Magnussen.

“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.

“Naturally, I also want to thank Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for the chance to resume my Formula 1 career – I know just how competitive they both are and how keen they are to return to competing week in and week out.

“We’ve enjoyed a solid relationship and our positive association remained even when I left at the end of 2020. I’ve been briefed as much as possible on the development of the VF-22 and the potential in the package.

“There’s work to do but I’m excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain.”

Magnussen will drive the team’s VF-22 for the first time during the official pre-season test at Bahrain International Circuit, 10-12 March – joining Schumacher and test and reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi at the test.

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