Magnussen’s BMW Deal Secures Haas F1 Role for 2025

Kevin Magnussen’s BMW contract ensures his F1 involvement with Haas, though team principal Komatsu says the exact role remains undefined for 2025.

Kevin Magnussen’s new contract with BMW will allow him to continue working in Formula 1 with Haas.

The small American team, led by Ayao Komatsu, has not renewed the 32-year-old driver’s race contract for 2025. On Thursday, BMW announced that the Dane would race in Endurance next year, though “details of his future racing schedule will be announced at a later date.”

Magnussen admits he also considered IndyCar.

“I spoke to some teams because IndyCar is so cool. But moving my family to the US just isn’t practical,” he said in Abu Dhabi.

His new agreement with BMW allows him flexibility to take part in some races but not all—while still remaining involved in Formula 1.

“We decided not to extend his race driver contract,” explained Komatsu, Haas team principal, “but he still made a significant contribution.”

“On his good days, he is very, very stable, very fast, and clearly talented. So we will continue to involve him next year, though it’s not yet clearly defined.”

“With the BMW contract, he has ensured that he can still work for us. We are looking for ways to make use of Kevin’s experience.”

“It’s good that we can talk openly about these things. Kevin has put on the table what he is looking for, and we have done the same. I can’t say exactly what he will do, but broadly speaking, we are in agreement.”

“So, we discussed it and reached an understanding before he signed the contract with BMW.”

Magnussen clarified that he will not be a full-time reserve driver.

“I’m still in talks with Ayao to do something with the team next year. But I won’t be attending many races—maybe none at all. I’ll be busy with BMW and other things.”

“I’ve discussed it with Ayao, and we’ve agreed that he can still call me. He has my number. But I don’t want to be a substitute waiting for someone to break their leg at every race.”

“I don’t want to do that, and I don’t have to. I’m looking forward to racing. I’ve always had a passion for other types of motorsport, and my contract with BMW gives me the opportunity to try to win some of the classic endurance races.”

He says he’s not troubled by the fact that his F1 driving career seems to be over.

“Of course, Formula 1 was my main dream, my main ambition—I made it, I’ve been here for 10 years, and now it’s the right time to move on. I’m still young, 32, and there’s still time to go win other races.”

Like many experienced F1 drivers, he admits he struggled with the new generation of F1 cars with “ground effect” introduced in 2022.

“In 2022, I didn’t really notice it because I looked good compared to my teammate (Mick Schumacher). But Nico (Hulkenberg) opened my eyes. He showed me what was possible with these cars.”