Haas F1 Team founder and chairman Gene Haas says new recruit Kevin Magnussen has always been on the US team’s shortlist, even before it made its Formula One debut this year.
The Dane has been confirmed as Romain Grosjean’s new team-mate in replacement of the departing Esteban Gutierrez.
Magnussen is thus set to join his third outfit in as many years in a full-time role after driving for McLaren and Renault.
“From the time we began looking at drivers, Kevin Magnussen was always on our short list,” Haas said. “He’s accomplished a lot in a very short period of time, and we feel like he can accomplish a lot with us.
“Our second season will bring a new set of challenges, and we feel that pairing Kevin with Romain will help us develop our new car and continue our growth.”
Team principal Guenther Steiner adds that Magnussen’s credentials, which includes securing a podium finish on his very first grand prix in Australia in 2014 and scoring 62 points in 38 grand prix starts leading into Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix, make him an enticing prospect for Haas.
“We want to grow the team and therefore we wanted some experience of drivers who have been on the podium and scored points and Kevin fits the bill so we’ll move forward with him,” he said.
Both Steiner and Haas were also quick to praise what Gutierrez has achieved over his single season with the team.
“Credit also goes to Esteban for all of his work,” Steiner continued. “His time with Ferrari was very beneficial as it helped get us acquainted with its methodologies and make the most of our partnership with them.
“He and Romain pushed each other on the track and together they’re responsible for the success we’ve had in our first season.”
“I want to thank Esteban for all of his effort,” Haas concluded. “He’s been an instrumental part of our first year in Formula One and we’re looking forward to finishing the season strong with him and Romain.”
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