Rumours surrounding Kevin Magnussen’s 2017 Formula 1 destination picked up speed in recent weeks and now it’s been announced he’s off to Haas F1 for next season with a new multi-year deal.
K-Mag spent many years on the McLaren junior programme, winning the Formula Renault 3.5 title in 2013 before graduating to F1 the year after with McLaren.
He scored a second-place finish on his debut in Australia, but the rest of the season failed to deliver on the promise of Melbourne.
With Fernando Alonso’s return to McLaren and Jenson Button being retained for 2015 (where Honda became the team’s power unit supplier), Magnussen was squeezed out of a race seat and spent a year on the sidelines.
But his second chance arrived at the start of this year when Pastor Maldonado lost his seat at the newly-revamped Renault team, with Magnussen being brought in as his replacement.
His year started off well with seventh in Russia, but in recent races he’s had to face tougher competition from his team-mate Jolyon Palmer.
With Nico Hulkenberg moving over to Renault, the likelihood of Magnussen remaining at the team became less likely. That seat was taken by Jolyon Palmer.
Magnussen admitted the deal Renault gave him wasn’t good enough. Now he’s been officially confirmed at Haas alongside Romain Grosjean, replacing Esteban Gutierrez.
So pleased to announce my plans for the future. Can’t wait to join @HaasF1Team! #NeverGiveUpOnTheDream pic.twitter.com/2VxWR1U95I
— Kevin Magnussen (@KevinMagnussen) November 11, 2016
Here’s what Magnussen had to say on the announcement:
“This is a fantastic opportunity and I’m very happy to be a part of Haas F1 Team. Obviously, I’m confident in my abilities as a Formula 1 driver, but I’m also very confident of what Haas F1 Team can do in its second season and every season thereafter.
“Gene Haas has come into Formula 1 with a strong vision and a different way of doing things. He’s making it work and work well. I’ve had a good vantage point all season long, and I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel.”