Kevin Magnussen Bids Farewell to Haas Racing

Danish Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen will leave the Haas team at the end of the season. Esteban Ocon is expected to replace him in 2025. Magnussen had notable performances, including a fifth-place finish at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. Haas and Magnussen aim to continue working together in a new capacity.

Danish Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen will leave his Haas race seat at the end of this season, the U.S.-owned team announced on Thursday. Esteban Ocon is expected to join in 2025, with Frenchman's departure from Renault-owned Alpine already confirmed, alongside British rookie Oliver Bearman.

'I'd like to thank Kevin for everything he's given us as a team – both on and off the track. He's truly been a bedrock of our driver line-up over the years,' said Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu in a statement. 'Nobody's driven more races for us and we've had some memorable highlights together, not least a remarkable fifth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022 when Kevin returned to start his second spell with the team.'

Magnussen, 31, is in his seventh season and second stint with the Ferrari-powered team after first joining in 2017 and leaving at the end of 2020 before returning to take the place of Russian Nikita Mazepin when the war in Ukraine started. Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix will be the former McLaren and Renault driver's 135th start with the team.

'There's plenty of racing to go this year so I'm looking forward to seeing what else we can achieve with Kevin as we push together in the championship,' said Komatsu. 'Beyond that, and with Kevin's special relationship with the team, I'm hoping we can find a way to keep working together in some capacity.'

Magnussen expressed his pride in racing for the team and his gratitude towards owner Gene Haas for bringing him back at a crucial moment in his career.

'I've enjoyed some great moments with this team, memories I'll never forget,' said Magnussen. 'While I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my racing career, I remain fully focused on giving everything I've got for the rest of 2024.' The Dane has scored five points from twelve races this season, while his teammate Nico Hulkenberg has earned 22 points and will be joining Sauber next season.

(With inputs from agencies.)