Outgoing Haas driver Kevin Magnussen has revealed that he had contact with Sauber over a potential Formula 1 switch for 2025 when Andreas Seidl was at the helm.
Sauber announced last week that it will have a brand-new driver line-up next season as Gabriel Bortoleto has been signed to partner the experienced Nico Hulkenberg.
The news has all but ended the slim chance Magnussen, who will vacate the drive that he’s held at Haas since 2022, had of remaining on the F1 grid past this season.
Magnussen was rumoured as an outside option on the Audi-owned Sauber side’s radar in a deal which would have seen him and Hulkenberg continue as team-mates.
However, the Dane has admitted that discussions with Sauber over a possible move hadn’t taken place since Mattia Binotto replaced Seidl in charge over the summer.
“When Seidl was there I heard from them, but I haven’t heard from them since,” Magnussen told media including Motorsport Week in Brazil.
Despite Hulkenberg opting to leave for Sauber/Audi on a multi-term deal, Haas has chosen to drop Magnussen to bring in Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon for 2025.
However, Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has disclosed that he possesses an interest in retaining Magnussen’s services in an alternative role in the American outfit’s setup.
“That’s also an option,” Magnussen reiterated. “That’s a good mix of options for my future, but there’s no reason to commit right now. Yeah, we’ll see where things go.”
Magnussen reluctant to rush 2025 plans
Magnussen, who has expressed a willingness to sample other racing disciplines, is reluctant to resolve his prospects until he has had a chance to assess his options.
“I don’t think there’s any reason to say no to anything either,” he repeated.
“Right now I don’t need to commit so it’s good to have just all the options on the table and see.”
Magnussen rues late improvement
Magnussen rued his recent upturn in results – which he put down to a change to the brakes on Haas’ VF-24 – arriving too late to help him save his spot with Haas in F1.
“I would have liked to have that change early in the year, that’s for sure,” he concluded.
READ MORE – Kevin Magnussen reveals Haas F1 change behind recent upturn
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