Haas bid Magnussen farewell: Komastu hints at Haas role for the Dane
Kevin Magnussen is leaving Haas at the end of 2024. Team boss Ayao Komatsu praised the departing driver and Magnussen in turn thanked everyone at the American team.
“I’d like to thank Kevin for everything he’s given us as a team – both on and off the track. 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," the Haas team boss begins.
"There was the special fifth place in the Bahrain Grand Prix when Kevin started his second stint with the team. He did not expect to drive another Formula 1 car that weekend, but he delivered an exceptional performance and that was a huge boost for the entire organisation. It once again showed his talent behind the wheel."
Komatsu continued: “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. Beyond that, and with Kevin’s special relationship with the team, I’m hoping we can find a way to keep working together in some capacity. 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.”
What will Magnussen do after Haas?
So although Magnussen's contract as a driver will not be renewed, Komatsu has hinted at another role for the Dane. Whether Magnussen himself has an appetite for that remains to be seen. The last time Magnussen left F1, he went racing in America.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team – I’m proud to have raced for such a great team of people these last few years. 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 MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.”