There is only one obvious path for Kevin Magnussen to stay in F1 – signing a new deal with Haas. The Danish driver has spent the vast majority of his career with the US outfit. However, his chances of earning another contract extension are slim. Competition for the final seats on the 2025 grid is intensifying. In this climate, Magnussen could lose out.
Only twelve months ago, there was little to celebrate at Haas. Their 2023 car was uncompetitive on race day, often undermining Nico Hulkenberg’s very strong qualifying performances.
However, the same cannot be said about Haas in 2024. Ayao Komatsu’s squad sits 7th in the Championship with a very solid package. The VF-24 is capable of competing for points on a regular basis.
Unfortunately Magnussen, this has seen the American team become an increasingly attractive destination. With the 31-year-old failing to match the efforts of his teammate, earning a new contract with Haas will be difficult.
CIRCUIT GILLES-VILLENEUVE, CANADA – JUNE 07: Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team, sits in the car in the garage during the Canadian GP at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Friday June 07, 2024 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Mark Sutton / LAT Images)
Haas still evaluating their options, says Magnussen
Magnussen has spoken candidly about what Haas have told him about their 2025 plans:
“They’ve told me they’re not in a rush, and that’s okay. They’re in control there. I think it’s a very open market at the moment, and lots of pieces have to fall in the puzzle.
“Slowly, it’s starting to go together, and hopefully, we’ll all have our future sorted quite soon.
“I think everyone is talking to everyone and checking what options we all have. I think everyone is talking to everyone and checking what options we all have.
“As I said, hopefully, everyone’s future will be sorted sooner rather than later.”
CIRCUIT GILLES-VILLENEUVE, CANADA – JUNE 07: Kevin Magnussen, Haas VF-24 during the Canadian GP at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Friday June 07, 2024 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images)
Bearman the favourite – Magnussen must deliver results
Oliver Bearman will drive in another FP1 session for Haas this weekend. Unless there is a drastic change of plans, the 19-year-old will sign with the team for 2025.
The question is who the British driver’s teammate will be. Most indications point towards Esteban Ocon as the favourite. Magnussen is still in contention, but his chances are undoubtedly diminishing.
Magnussen’s main advantage is self-evident – he is already in the Haas seat. This means he will have several more opportunities to convince Ayao Komatsu he deserves a new deal.
With that said, the Dane must do something he has failed to accomplish previously – consistently outperform Nico Hulkenberg. Not only that, but Magnussen must avoid the unforced errors that he committed earlier in the season at all costs.
With his career on the line, time will tell if he can rise to the challenge.
