Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsHaas F1 Team

Haas chose Magnussen as back-up plan

Haas F1 Team owner and founder Gene Haas revealed that Kevin Magnussen would have been offered a race seat with his team had Romain Grosjean declined to sign for the US outfit.

Haas viewed the former McLaren driver as likely and capable candidate, and a second choice had talks with Grosjean not come to fruition.

"We talked to Magnussen, who was a very good candidate," Haas told Formula1.com. "He was very well respected by the McLaren team."

The 23-year-old Danish driver's career in F1 has grinned to a halt lately. Following a full season with McLaren in 2014, Magnussen was demoted to reserve driver this year to make way for Fernando Alonso.

With both the Spaniard and Jenson Button contracted for 2016, McLaren had no choice but to free Magnussen from his obligations, a decision he had the unfortunate displeasure to receive last October, on the day of his 23rd birthday.

With all of F1's seats now taken, with the exception a remaining spot at Manor, It's unclear which greener pastures the Dane will hopefully head to next.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.