Haas retains Magnussen as test and development driver in 2025

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The Haas F1 Team has confirmed that Kevin Magnussen will continue his association with the American outfit in 2025, the Dane taking on a combined testing and development driver role with the team.

The 32-year-old Dane departed from his full-time race seat with Haas at the end of 2024 to make way for the team’s fresh line-up that includes Esteban Ocon and rookie Oliver Bearman.

While Magnussen will primarily focus on his commitments with BMW’s LMDh program in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and World Endurance Championship, including the Daytona 24 Hours, which takes place next weekend, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he will remain a key figure within the Haas setup.

A New Role for Magnussen

Magnussen’s duties at Haas will revolve around the Banbury-based team's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, where he will drive two-year-old machines to provide valuable reference data for Ocon and Bearman.

According to Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, Magnussen will also play a significant role in simulator development, working out of Toyota's state-of-the-art facility – thanks to Haas’ growing partnership with the Japanese manufacturer.

Read also: Haas overhauls race team crews for 2025 with historic F1 first

"He's gonna drive some TPCs [testing of previous cars] and simulators," Komatsu told the media on Monday.

"Kevin's experience and feedback are second to none, and we’re confident he will provide crucial insights that will aid both Esteban and Oliver in their development."

Reserve Role in the Works

In addition to his testing and simulator work, it is understood that Magnussen may also fulfill a reserve driver role for several races during the 2025 season, with negotiations currently ongoing.

This would see the veteran driver potentially stepping in for either Ocon or Bearman should the need arise.

While Magnussen is the standout candidate for the reserve role, Haas has also been exploring additional options.

Toyota protégé and 2023 Super Formula champion Ritomo Miyata, who recently took part in a TPC run with Haas at Jerez, is a potential candidate for a reserve role with the Banbury-based team.

The 25-year-old Japanese driver is competing this season in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Championship with ART Grand Prix.

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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.