Magnussen 'surprised' by Haas call: 'Was looking in different direction'

Haas F1 has officially announced who will replace Nikita Mazepin in 2022. Old friend Kevin Magnussen is returning to Formula 1 and can't wait to work again with a team he now knows very well.

Indeed, Magnussen is no stranger to the team. The Dane drove at Haas from 2017 to 2020, but had to make way for rookies Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin from 2021. "I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team", Magnussen explains on the website of Haas.

The original plan was to start the season with Schumacher and Mazepin, but because of the war in Ukraine, the team decided to terminate Mazepin's contract immediately. Haas therefore suddenly had to look for a replacement. Pietro Fittipaldi was appointed test driver in Bahrain, but will have to make way for Magnussen after Thursday.

Magnussen driven

"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", Magnussen continues. Earlier this month, the Dane still ruled out an F1 return with a midfield team, but he still seems to believe in the Haas team.

"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.”