Kevin Magnussen has revealed that he would be open to taking an alternative place inside the Haas Formula 1 team in 2025, but he has ruled out a reserve driver role.
Haas announced earlier this week that Magnussen will depart the team once this season concludes, bringing an end to a seven-season relationship across two stints.
Magnussen admitted that it was bittersweet to be leaving amid Haas’ upturn in competitiveness this term as it prepares to go into next season with an all-new line-up.
“Well, I think, you know, I’ve been with this team since the very beginning of Haas’ time at F1, and I feel very much a part of the family.
“It’s going to be strange to leave the team at the end of the year, but everything comes to an end, and, you know, it’s still quite early in the season.
“Haas have gone ahead and wants to secure the drivers for next year early enough, and there’s still seats available, so that’s understandable and fine by me.”
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu stated in the press release that he would be interested in initiating discussions with Magnussen about another role within the team’s setup.
Magnussen has disclosed that he would consider such a proposal on the basis that he comes up short in his endeavour to salvage an F1 drive elsewhere on the grid.
Asked about Komatsu’s comment, Magnussen replied: “Well, if I’m racing elsewhere in Formula 1 in another team, it doesn’t work. But I think it’s nice of him to say that.
“If I won’t be racing in Formula 1 next year, then absolutely I’ll definitely look at that and get some kind of role advisory or however they see fit.
“I’ve been with this team for many years now and know the operation very well.
“I have a lot of experience in Formula 1, so it would be good to keep making use of that instead of just leaving the sport altogether.”
However, the ex-McLaren debutant has denied that such conversations could lead to him taking over Oliver Bearman’s position as Haas’ official reserve driver in 2025.
“I don’t think I would be interested in a reserve driver role. If I’m able to take some kind of role with Haas, it means that I didn’t land a seat in Formula 1 of course.
“And in that case I think I’d call it that in Formula 1. I wouldn’t want to just go to every race. I’d want to focus on other things that would be exciting and fulfilling for me.
“I think being a reserve driver waiting around for someone to break his leg. I don’t think that’s very exciting.”
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