Haas confirms Magnussen exit, Ocon poised to join US team

Haas has announced Kevin Magnussen's departure at the end of the current F1 season, marking the end of an era for the Danish driver who holds the team's record for most race starts – 135.

The move paves the way for a fresh lineup for Haas in 2025 with rising star Ollie Bearman already confirmed and Esteban Ocon reportedly close to securing the second seat.

Magnussen's return to Haas in 2022, after a hiatus following the 2020 season, proved a mixed bag. While he initially outshone Mick Schumacher, the tide turned with the arrival of Nico Hulkenberg in 2023.

The German consistently outperformed Magnussen, claiming the majority of Haas' points and securing their best finishes - two sixth places - in recent races.

Magnussen's departure was foreshadowed by Hulkenberg's move to Sauber/Audi for 2025 and a string of penalties early in 2024 putting him at risk of a race ban.

Additionally, a controversial incident at the Miami GP, where Magnussen's aggressive defense against Lewis Hamilton was frowned upon by the team, created internal friction.

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With Magnussen out and Ocon likely in, Haas is looking towards a future built on young talent and experience, hoping to capitalize on the promise both drivers will bring.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone at Haas F1 Team – I’m proud to have raced for such a great team of people these last few years,” said Magnussen.

“In particular I’d like to thank Gene Haas for his commitment to me, notably in bringing me back once again in 2022 when I thought, at that time at least, my time in Formula 1 had ended.

“I’ve enjoyed some great moments with this team – memories I’ll never forget.

“While I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my racing career, I remain fully focused on giving everything I’ve got for the rest of 2024 with Haas F1 Team.”

Team boss Ayao Komatsu paid tribute to Magnussen’s contributions, calling the 31-year-old a “bedrock” of the team’s line-up.

“I’d like to thank Kevin for everything he’s given us as a team – both on and off the track,” commented Komatsu.

“He’s truly been a bedrock of our driver line-up over the years.

“Nobody’s driven more races for us and we’ve had some memorable highlights together – not least a remarkable fifth place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022 when Kevin returned to start his second spell with the team.

“He wasn’t expecting to be driving a Formula 1 car that weekend, but he put in a remarkable performance that was a tremendous boost to the entire organization and once again showcased his own talents behind the wheel.

“There’s plenty of racing to go this year so I’m looking forward to seeing what else we can achieve with Kevin as we push together in the championship.”

Komatsu expressed his hope that given “Kevin’s special relationship with the team”, Magnussen will remain involved with the US outfit in some capacity.

“I’m hoping we can find a way to keep working together in some capacity,” he added.

“We can hopefully define that in the near future, but his extensive experience in Formula 1 and knowledge of our working operations are undoubtedly of value in our ongoing growth and development.”

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