Haas sign Kevin Magnussen to replace sacked driver Nikita Mazepin

Kevin Magnussen has signed a multi-year contract with Haas to replace sacked driver Nikita Mazepin and admitted his surprise at being offered a pathway back into Formula One.

The 29-year-old has returned to his old team, where he made 79 starts across four seasons, following a season out of the sport.

Magnussen received the call from Haas after they fired Russian driver Mazepin last week and called for peace in regard to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the start of March.

Speaking about his comeback, Danish racer Magnussen said: “I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team.

“I was looking in a different direction regarding my commitments for 2022 but the opportunity to return to compete in Formula 1, and with a team I know extremely well, was simply too appealing.

“I really have to say thank you to both Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing for releasing me promptly – both are great organizations. Naturally, I also want to thank Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for the chance to resume my Formula 1 career – I know just how competitive they both are and how keen they are to return to competing week in and week out.

“We’ve enjoyed a solid relationship and our positive association remained even when I left at the end of 2020. I’ve been briefed as much as possible on the development of the VF-22 and the potential in the package.

“There’s work to do but I’m excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain.”

I was looking in a different direction regarding my commitments for 2022 but the opportunity to return to compete in Formula 1, and with a team I know extremely well, was simply too appealing. - Kevin Magnussen

Magnussen, a veteran