Kevin Magnussen is making every effort to retain his seat with Haas for 2025, but the Dane admits there’s a chance he won’t be on the grid next season.
The 31-year-old, whose contract with Haas expires at the end of this season, has endured a difficult season year-to-date.
His meager tally of one point in the first nine races pales in comparison to teammate Nico Hulkenberg's six-point haul. The Latter has also consistently outperformed him in head-to-head duels, further highlighting the disparity.
Magnussen's 2024 campaign has been further marred by a string of clashes with other drivers. These incidents have resulted in a growing tally of penalty points, placing him precariously close to the 12-point threshold that would trigger an automatic race ban.
Adding to Magnussen's worries is Haas' apparent exploration of other options. Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman looks set to join the US outfit to serve his apprenticeship in F1, while team boss Ayao Komatsu has openly acknowledged his interest in the services of outgoing Alpine charger Esteban Ocon
Despite his precarious situation, Magnussen remains determined to stay in Formula 1, ideally with Haas, especially as he sees his current team as being “in a good position for the future” in light of its persistent progress.
“Yes. There is a chance that that will happen,” he said when questioned about the risk of losing his seat.
“I want to be in Formula 1,” he added. “That’s what I’m concentrating on. Only when all the doors are closed will I look for something else.”
©Haas
Regardless of his prospects, Magnussen says he’s approaching his contract situation with a cool head.
“In the past, when I was younger, something like this would probably have stressed me out more and I would have felt the pressure more,” he explained.
“But now I’m able to put it aside quite well, just get in the car and do my best.”
Stating his case, Magnussen feels that he’s performing better this season than in 2023, but suggests that luck has rarely bene on his side on race weekends.
“I am a much stronger driver than last year,” he said. “I found it difficult to adjust to the car, especially in qualifying.
“That is much easier for me this year. But it just didn’t go my way in a lot of situations.
“I’ve had traffic so many times. Second lap in Q1 or Q2, then suddenly a problem, or a poorly managed out-lap, something like that. Or, if we had a good race, the safety car comes at the wrong time.
“It’s just one of those years where you always seem to have a headwind.
“Let’s take Imola. Suddenly a McLaren comes out of the pits in front of me, and can’t even start its lap. How can you predict that?
“It costs me a good starting position. In the race, the pace is fantastic and I almost make it into the points.
“Without the bad luck, I would have started near the top 10. And would definitely have scored points.”
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