Kevin Magnussen and Haas are separating, and readers have a lot of opinions to share!
It’s official: Kevin Magnussen and the Haas Formula 1 team are parting ways at the end of the 2024 season. Another domino has fallen — but plenty of opportunities have arisen in the aftermath, both for Haas and for Magnussen.
In light of the news, which has left some fans surprised and others unfazed, we believe it’s a suitable moment to gauge the opinions of PlanetF1.com readers on X. What are the possibilities for Magnussen’s future destination? Which vehicle would be ideal for him? Could IMSA or IndyCar offer promising prospects for the Danish driver?
PlanetF1.com readers react: Magnussen on the move
After Kevin Magnussen’s departure from Haas, numerous fans shared the belief that it was an opportune moment for this change. Although Magnussen had a commendable journey in Formula 1, his performance lacked the necessary spark to sustain his position in the sport.
Nonetheless, Magnussen continues to be highly regarded as an exceptional talent, deserving of an opportunity elsewhere. Several individuals have proposed a lineup featuring both father Jan and son Kevin driving the same car, fondly referred to as a “double Magnussen” duo. Additionally, there are those who eagerly anticipate witnessing the Danish racer’s skills in the realm of IndyCar.
“Time for Kevin to follow his dad to IMSA where the racing is good and the teams are good.”– @MinisterofDOOM on X
“Gimme that double Magnussen line up all season in IMSA” – @saidhead86 on X
“I hope to see Kevin in WEC and at Le Mans in 2025! If he gets another F1 drive that would be great for him obviously but I think that’s unlikely” – @DamienEvans21 on X
“2025 Cup driver for Haas Factory Team, Kevin Magnussen” – @wideworldofdirt on X
“It’s always a good day when a babysitter in F1 gives their seat away to someone younger and more promising. Now I’m not celebrating anyone losing their job. But it was time. He would do just fine in Indycar or any other series.” – @13_omr on X
“I don’t think many will be surprised by this. Good place for him in the Guenther years, but now they need to perform. Being out scored by Hulk wasn’t helping and seems his is going through the motions. Mid field too tight and too much $$$ on the final standings” – @Robbie_J on X
“He still got 12 races to show his worth” – @kdbftbl on X
What we know about the F1 2025 grid so far:
F1 2025 driver line-up: Who is already confirmed for the 2025 grid?
Revealed: The seven drivers out of contract at the end of the F1 2024 season
Elizabeth Blackstock’s take: Magnussen’s magic year
Kevin Magnussen has undoubtedly delivered impressive performances in Formula 1 throughout his career. However, I agree with Haas’s perspective that it is now necessary to infuse fresh energy into the team, which has already experienced positive effects from significant off-season staff changes.
But one big thing stuck out to me reading Haas’ press release announcing Magnussen’s departure. Team principal Ayao Komatsu stated, “I’m hoping we can find a way to keep working together in some capacity.” Later, speaking to media, Magnussen did state he would likely not be interested in a reserve driver role, and that he’d want to “focus on bigger things.”
Although I am not a Formula 1 driver, if I were in Magnussen’s position, I wouldn’t be too hasty in rejecting an opportunity with Haas. Instead of declining a role as a reserve driver, he could consider becoming a part-time ambassador or consultant, or even occasionally take on the role of a hot lap driver for Haas guests.
Kevin Magnussen, who is currently 31 years old, is in an opportune stage of his life to embark on a new professional journey. Recently, the Danish racer expressed his admiration for the contentment exuded by victors of renowned races such as the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Considering his age, 31, it presents an ideal opportunity for him to participate in these monumental events.
That being said, I don’t know if I’d be quite ready to delve right back into the full-time racing world if I were in Magnussen’s shoes. I think I’d be casting a wide net, finding cool opportunities at some of the races I’ve always wanted to contest and dipping my toe in as many disciplines as possible while I figure out my next permanent step. And I bet I’d enjoy spending some uninterrupted time with my family, too.
Let’s name it Magnussen’s extraordinary year – a year dedicated to immersing himself in novel experiences, cherishing every single moment.
I also want to give a shoutout to one reader that responded to our call for reactions on Magnussen with one of the best and possibly funniest suggestions for improving sprint racing:
“instead of sprint weekends they need to stick reserve drivers and ‘didn’t get a seat’ drivers into juiced up F2 cars for a cash prize.” – @thisguyfreddy on X
I am confident that Magnussen would make an appearance at an F1 weekend for that.
Read next: What’s next for Kevin Magnussen? Four options and a heavy hint from Haas
