It’s a subject that’s only going to become more and more pertinent as the season goes on, but half the Formula 1 grid are still sweating over their futures beyond 2024.
The wheels are already in motion with the likes of Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg most recently confirming their plans for 2025.
Meanwhile, McLaren and Ferrari can relax knowing their driver line-up is already secured for next season.
However, performances are being scrutinised on a weekly basis among the drivers who have yet to sign a new deal.
After a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw them finish bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, Haas is suddenly one of the more preferable options still available.
With Hulkenberg definitely departing, Haas have a decision to make on Kevin Magnussen.
Speaking to Autosport, Magnussen has suggested that contract talks for the 2025 season haven’t started yet.
The one-time podium finisher is heading to Imola off the back of a race in Miami that may have done his future prospects more harm than good.
Kevin Magnussen admits no ‘concrete’ Haas contract talks for 2025 have taken place
There are still five drivers on the grid this season who haven’t scored a point yet.
Both Sauber and Williams drivers are in that situation as well as Pierre Gasly, however, Kevin Magnussen sits just above them in the Drivers’ Championship.
His 10-place finish in Australia was his best performance of the campaign, but his displays for Haas have been overshadowed by his teammate.
Nico Hulkenberg has proved to be one of if not the best driver in the midfield this season, possibly only behind RB star Yuki Tsunoda.
The German driver has shown the potential of the Haas car and that’s one of the reasons why the team might be delaying contract talks with Magnussen for 2025.
There are going to be several options available to potentially replace the Dane with Oliver Bearman expected to be in the other seat.
Not only that but team principal Ayao Komatsu is understood to be unsure about extending Magnussen’s deal based on his performance in Miami.
Haas were also understood to be unhappy with his comments after the Sprint Race when he defended his heavily-penalised display saying he was doing it for the benefit of the team.
Kevin Magnussen says his focus is on 2024 season amid uncertain future
Asked about his Formula 1 future, Magnussen said: “I’m like everyone else, focusing on this year and at the same time open to any opportunity.
“So, as I said, I just told you how I feel about the opportunity of staying at Haas, I think that is naturally the most likely option.”
Asked if contract renewal talks had started, Magnussen added: “Not like concrete.
“When you’re part of the team, you’re talking all the time, I think there’s [too] much focus on the season and things.”
Who could Haas replace Kevin Magnussen with in 2025?
If Haas decide against entering contract talks with Magnussen to offer him a new deal for 2025, they could look at several other drivers on the grid.
There’s a feeling within the team that Valtteri Bottas could help Bearman develop next year should he leave Sauber.
Zhou Guanyu has been described as the current favourite to replace the Dane next year.
With his Williams future at risk, Logan Sargeant’s manager is also said to have entered talks with Haas over a potential 2025 move.
The post ‘Focusing on this year’: 1-time podium driver admits ‘concrete’ talks over 2025 F1 deal haven’t started yet appeared first on F1 Oversteer.