Alex Albon has committed his future to Williams beyond his previous deal that ran until the end of 2025, closing off another potential avenue for drivers to explore as they seek to retain their Formula 1 status.
Half the seats on the grid are still available, although teams are beginning to put plans in place to make sure they’ve got the best line-up possible for next year and the new regulations coming in 2026.
Speaking to Autosport about the driver’s market, Haas driver Kevin Magnussen has given his thoughts.
While he’s admitted that he’s not had any concrete talks with Haas over extending his stay beyond this year, he’s been keeping a close eye on what’s going around him.
Magnussen admitted that he expected to be teammates with Nico Hulkenberg next year and his move to Sauber has taken him by surprise.
The 36-year-old German has had a sensational season and has led Haas to 7 in the Constructors’ Championship.
He’ll spend 2025 preparing for Formula 1’s new regulations and the introduction of works team Audi to the paddock.
READ MORE: Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg’s life outside F1 from wife to height
Kevin Magnussen didn’t think Nico Hulkenberg would move teams after 2024
At the start of the 2024 F1 campaign, expectations were very low at Haas.
Guenther Steiner had been replaced by Ayao Komatsu and he admitted that the team were behind schedule with the development of the VF-24.
However, Nico Hulkenberg reached Q3 at the season opener in Bahrain and although his race was ruined at the first corner after making contact with Lance Stroll, the potential was clear to see.
Hulkenberg then went on to score points at three races on the bounce, being joined by Magnussen in the top ten in Australia to help Haas move up the standings.
A gap is beginning to emerge between the two Haas drivers with Hulkenberg regularly out-qualifying his teammate and then challenging for points on a regular basis.
Sauber tried to sign Hulkenberg for the 2024 season but have finally got their man ahead of next year.
Despite that, Magnussen still believed that Komatsu and Gene Haas would try and stick with their current line-up.
The German has admitted that Haas worked hard to try and retain him, while Magnussen’s seat might be in danger.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Haas F1 Team from team principal to Ferrari relationship
Kevin Magnussen didn’t expect Haas line-up change for 2025
Asked about his teammate, Magnussen said: “Honestly, I thought it would be me and Nico again next year. I thought that would be likely.
“Obviously, he has taken the opportunity with Sauber and Audi. I wish him all the best with that. We will continue focusing and enjoying this year. Continuing the progress that we’ve made as a team for this year, and hopefully building on that beyond this year as well.
“I actually feel like we are working quite well as a team. It’s competitive, but it’s helped me. It’s not like we’re getting in each other’s way. It can be very unhealthy in F1 sometimes, and we’re two very grown-up drivers and quite sensible. Both.
“Hopefully if I continue with the team and it’s going to be a new team-mate, hopefully it will be as good with the next guy.”
READ MORE: Haas driver Kevin Magnussen’s life outside F1 from wife and daughters to net worth
Hulkenberg’s move should theoretically improve Magnussen’s chances of staying at Haas beyond this year.
However, his performance in Miami has raised some eyebrows as he closes in on a one-race ban.
Ayao Komatsu is less than convinced about keeping Magnussen beyond the end of this season.
Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu is considered one of the favourites to replace the Dane.
Even under-threat Williams driver Logan Sargeant is assessing Magnussen’s future, with his manager entering talks with the American team.
The post ‘Honestly’: Kevin Magnussen admits he’s very surprised by 212-race driver’s F1 plans for 2025 appeared first on F1 Oversteer.
