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.

©Haas

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."

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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.