Kevin Magnussen has claimed that he is not in Formula 1 “to take care of young kids” amid gathering rumours Oliver Bearman could partner him at Haas next season.
Haas is now in the process of searching for a replacement for Nico Hulkenberg, who has chosen to move to Sauber in 2025 prior to its impending transition into Audi.
Having completed two FP1 outings with Haas last term and scheduled to make six this season, Bearman has emerged as the favourite to take the German’s position.
The Briton bolstered his chances of being on the grid in 2025 when he covered for the unwell Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and took seventh on his F1 debut.
However, Magnussen lashed out at suggestions last week that he could be set to mentor Bearman, 18, at Haas in the same manner he did Mick Schumacher in 2022.
When it was put to him that Haas might want him to help the Ferrari prospect, Magnussen responded: “I’m not really here to take care of young kids. I do that at home.
“So hopefully the guy we have in the car will be competent, professional and consistent like Nico has been, and we’ll see if I’ll be in the other car.”
Magnussen has been partnered alongside Hulkenberg since last season amid Haas’ decision to plump for experienced drivers as part of its strive to climb the order.
Despite his team-mate having been linked with Audi across recent months, Magnussen expressed surprise that Hulkenberg has opted to depart the American squad.
“Honestly, I thought it would be me and Nico again next year, I thought that would be likely,” Magnussen highlighted.
“I wish him all the best and we’ll continue focusing and enjoying this year, continuing the progress that we’ve made as a team.”
Magnussen, whose contract expires at the end of this season, has insisted that he wants to retain his drive with Haas as he senses he has “unfinished business” in F1.
Questioned on whether Hulkenberg’s departure and the potential arrival of a rookie into the team had improved his chances, Magnussen replied: “Maybe, yeah. Maybe.
“I think it’s still a very open market, lots of seats available, lots of drivers available.”
“There have not been concrete talks, but obviously, when you’re part of the team, you’re talking all the time. So, I think more focus is on the season than anything else.
“I’m like everyone else, focused on this year and at the same time open to any opportunity.”
Bearman could be in line to make a second F1 weekend outing this season, with Magnussen two penalty points from a one-round ban following the Miami Grand Prix.
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