“Many ways” Magnussen can still fit into F1 team in 2025
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has offered suggestions to how Kevin Magnussen might work with the team next year, since he will not form part of its Formula 1 driving line-up in 2025.
Although Magnussen has been replaced at the team by Esteban Ocon, Komatsu is particularly keen to keep working with the Dane – and vice versa, as Magnussen is keen to remain involved with a different role at Haas if he does not get a race seat in 2025.
Previously, Magnussen stated that he was open to “some kind of role – advisory, or however they see fit” given his lengthy association with the team that started in 2017 after he left Renault.
Komatsu has revealed a few options that Magnussen has with the team, which extends to setting benchmarks with the testing of previous cars (TPC) programme that Haas can now start running with Toyota’s involvement, along with occasional simulator and reserve roles.
It was announced earlier today that Magnussen will miss Friday running and Saturday’s sprint race at this weekend’s Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix due to illness, with reserve driver Oliver Bearman taking over the Dane’s car.
“We can do up to 20 days (of TPC) next year, but current race drivers, the mileage you can put in is limited to 1,000 kilometres. We’re going to do TPC in January before the season starts with our new race drivers,” Komatsu explained.
“I expect most of those mileage is basically used up by the end of January with Esteban and Ollie [Bearman].
“But when we do TPC in season, that’s much more for young driver development and then to have reference with somebody like Kevin, especially the way he’s driving now, he can provide a proper reference.
Kevin Magnussen, Haas VF-24
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
“Also the simulator in Banbury, we are installing it. When he was at McLaren, before he actually became a F1 race driver, he was very highly-rated at McLaren as a simulator driver and that’s something where he can contribute as well.
“So there’s many ways we can use Kevin. And also, he can be a reserve driver in some circuits, not everywhere, but again, look at how strong he’s performing. We are openly discussing and then trying to find out something hopefully soon.
“He’s a family man, he doesn’t want to do 24 races anyway so certainly he doesn’t want to be at the racing circuit 24 times when he’s not driving.
“So again, that’s the thing, Europe is not a problem – but we’re looking at all the aspects.’
Esteban Ocon, Alpine F1 Team
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Ocon to drive Haas in end-of-season Abu Dhabi test
Komatsu revealed that the decks were clear to run Ocon during the end-of-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit, and that it was important to give the Frenchman mileage in this year’s VF-24 to prepare him for next year.
The test has been used as a Pirelli test and a young driver test – the latter of which Bearman is eligible for as the Briton has driven just two F1 races to date.
“That would be the first time for Esteban to drive our car, which is important because obviously regulations are stable. So next year’s car is the evolution of this car,” said Komatsu.
“So at least it’s good that he tastes this car before January or as soon as possible to see what our cars are like, strengths and weakness.
“And then if he had input, we can still work on it during the development. Also, Ollie’s been driving this car – okay, limited by in FP1s and one race. But Ollie’s going to be driving as well, to have the opportunity to work with the team. Everything helps, right?”
