Haas have gone from being rooted to the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship to turning themselves into a legitimately exciting option for drivers looking for a new seat in 2025.
Unfortunately for team principal Ayao Komatsu, that wasn’t enough to convince Nico Hulkenberg to stay with the team as he heads to Sauber next year before Audi’s upcoming takeover.
It’s expected that Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman will replace Hulkenberg at Haas next year and he’s jumping into the German’s car for FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix.
That leaves one seat for Haas to fill and speaking on the Inside The Piranha Club Podcast, journalist Ben Hunt has explained why Kevin Magnussen is still a good fit for the job.
It’s been a mixed start to the season for the experienced Danish driver.
He’s already finished in the points this season, although Hulkenberg has comfortably outscored him this year.
Magnussen has also racked up plenty of penalty points and is closer than any other driver to picking up a one-race ban.
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Haas could still retain Kevin Magnussen for the 2025 F1 season
Komatsu knows he’s got plenty of drivers to choose from for his line-up next season.
However, Haas have shown in the past that they’re very happy to stick with known quantities as represented by re-signing Magnussen in 2022 to replace Nikita Mazepin after he was initially let go in 2020.
In an interview with The Mirror, Komatsu said about Magnussen: “He’s in contention for sure.
“I don’t want to say how many drivers we’re talking to but, certainly, Kevin is a serious contender for next year because he’s been great.”
There’s another driver on the grid who has made themselves available to Haas next season.
Esteban Ocon confirmed he was leaving Alpine at the end of the year and the American team appears to be his most likely destination.
While Hunt’s colleague Rebecca Clancy has questioned why a team would sign Ocon, he’s undoubtedly quick even if he does tend to clash with his teammates.
Kevin Magnussen appears to have a chance of retaining his seat and with nothing set in stone ahead of an upcoming triple header, the Dane has a good opportunity to prove his credentials.
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Haas set to play a key role in the F1 driver’s market
Talking about the potential Haas line-up, Hunt said: “They like Kevin Magnussen don’t they at Haas? It probably makes sense to keep him.
“A nice guy, gets on well, knows the team dynamic.”
Clancy replied: “Good for Oliver Bearman to learn from.”
Hunt concluded: “Exactly. So that would make more sense.”
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Magnussen and Bearman have already worked closely together which could be a key negotiating point for the Dane.
Developing the teenager next season is going to be vital as although he’s proved how fast he is, he still has a lot to learn about racing in Formula 1.
It’s yet to be seen if Ocon possesses the same temperament to nurture a young talent, but at the end of the day, if Haas think the Frenchman will outscore Magnussen next year, then it puts the 31-year-old in a difficult position.
The post ‘Makes sense’: Journalist explains why Haas might retain Kevin Magnussen for 2025 amid Esteban Ocon interest appeared first on F1 Oversteer.