Mick Schumacher delivers Kevin Magnussen verdict as they pair up at Haas in 2022

Mick Schumacher says that it is positive to have Kevin Magnussen back within the Haas team for the 2022 season and that the Dane will be a good benchmark for his own performances over the course of the coming Formula 1 campaign.

Haas have certainly had a busy off-season and obviously for reasons that they would have not wished for.

The last few weeks have seen the Russian invasion of Ukraine and, with it, a host of sanctions have been placed on the country and numerous individuals, from business-people to sportsmen and women.

Nikita Mazepin, of course, was one person to be affected with him losing his drive for the 2022 campaign, whilst Uralkali has been removed as Haas’ title sponsor.

That all said, then, a replacement driver was needed and Haas opted for a familiar face in Kevin Magnussen, with the Dane returning after just a year away from the team and Formula 1, with him competing in sports car racing in 2021.

Certainly, it was a popular appointment welcomed by fans on social media and it appears his young team-mate is looking forward to racing up against him and seeing how he compares to a more experienced driver in a car that should be a lot more competitive than it was in 2021.

“It’s definitely beneficial for me and the team,” said Schumacher.

“He’s been part of [the team] for four years, then obviously had a one-year break now. But everybody likes him in the team. The emotion and the feeling in the team is really good, and he’s a good reference so it’s only positive for now.

“I can benefit from his experience. He’s a good benchmark so now I have the opportunity to measure myself and have the pressure and try and deliver under pressure too.”