Magnussen ‘in a good spot’ ahead of 150th Grand Prix

This week’s Canadian Grand Prix will mark Kevin Magnussen’s 150th race weekend in Formula 1, a milestone the Dane hopes to significantly extend with Haas in the future.

Magnussen made his F1 debut in 2014 with McLaren, subsequently moving to Renault in 2016 and then to Has a year later.

The 30-year-old genuinely thought that his career as a Grand Prix driver had reached a dead end when he departed the grid at the end of 2020.

But Haas called him back at the last hour, days before the start of its 2022 campaign to replace Nikita Mazepin.

Magnussen's unexpected return to the fray could be vividly illustrated by Al Pacino's iconic words from The Godfather III: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in."

The analogy perfectly captures a surprising twist of fate that Magnussen has embraced, fueled by his unwavering passion and desire to compete at the highest level.

• Read also: Haas desperately in search of solution for tyre deg issues

"It’s great to have had such a long time in Formula 1,” he said in the Haas team’s Canadian Grand Prix preview.

“As a small kid, I was dreaming of racing in Formula 1 someday and to have reached this many races and have all those years in the sport, I feel very grateful for the opportunity.

“I’m excited I’m still around and still able to live my dream.”

Tagging on another 150 races would be a tall order for Magnussen, but he’d love to remain with Haas at least until the US outfit reaps the benefits of its hard work under F1’s new regulations.

"What I see for my future, I’m in a good spot right now,” he added. “I’m in a great team of great people and am often given the opportunity to race towards the front.

I’ve had many opportunities with Haas and I see a great future for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.

“I very much hope I can be a part of that and live to see the fruits of all the hard work and progress that’s being made at the moment."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter