Magnussen Set for Reserve - Testing, and Development Role

Haas F1 secures Magnussen’s expertise for 2025 with a strategic reserve, testing, and development role within the team structure.

Kevin Magnussen is notably absent from this Brazilian Grand Prix, sidelined by illness, which has led to Ollie Bearman taking over his seat for the entire weekend.

However, this situation has no bearing on his future, which he can still envisage in various roles at Haas F1, according to the team’s director, Ayao Komatsu.

While the Dane has confirmed contact with Sauber/Audi F1 regarding a potential seat for 2025, he isn’t the frontrunner—though his recent form appears to have revived his prospects.

If he doesn’t secure that spot, he could certainly take on a role as a reserve driver, developer, and consultant, a position that could hold significant value with Toyota’s anticipated arrival as a technical partner.

“We can conduct up to 20 days of testing with older F1 cars (TPC) next year, but current drivers are limited to a maximum of 1,000 kilometres. We’ll run TPC sessions in January before the season starts with our new drivers, Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon,” said Komatsu.

“I expect most of those kilometres to be covered by the end of January with them,” he continued.

“But when we conduct TPC sessions mid-season, it’s far more about young driver development and establishing benchmarks with someone like Kevin. Given how he’s driving now, he can offer a solid reference.”

“We’re also in the process of setting up the simulator in Banbury. When he was with McLaren, before stepping up to an F1 race seat, he was highly rated as a simulator driver, and that’s something he can contribute to as well.”

“There are numerous ways to utilise Kevin. He could also serve as a reserve driver at certain circuits, not all, but again, look at how well he’s performing. We’re having open discussions and hope to find something suitable with him soon.”

“He’s a family man; he doesn’t want to attend 24 races a year, especially if he’s not behind the wheel,” Komatsu noted.

Looking ahead to 2025, Komatsu is also focused on the post-season tests at the Yas Marina Circuit with Ocon.

“It will be the first time Esteban drives our car, which is significant because, of course, the regulations are stable, and next year’s car is an evolution of this one.”

“So, it’ll be beneficial for him to test this car before January or as soon as possible, to get a feel for our car, its strengths, and its weaknesses.”

“And then, if he has any input, we could still incorporate that into our winter development.”

“Ollie, meanwhile, has already driven this car—in practice sessions and races. All of this is useful for us, isn’t it?”