Before his contract was terminated, Nikita Mazepin said he had no issues racing as a neutral athlete. (1:00)
Kevin Magnussen has returned to Formula One with a new team, the former team of Nikita Mazepin.
Magnussen and Romain Grosjean were dropped from the team in favor of Mick and Mazepin in 2021.
The decision to cut ties with Mazepin and the title sponsor of the World Endurance Championship opened up an unlikely opportunity for the Danish driver.
On the eve of the second preseason test, a multiyear deal was signed by the team.
According to sources, Magnussen emerged as the lead candidate this week and talks between the two parties accelerated over the past 48 hours.
He left on good terms with the team despite his battles with the boss of the team.
In his previous stint in F1, Magnussen was considered a hard racer who never had the car to truly showcase his ability.
Antonio Giovinazzi was tipped as a candidate, but was never considered for the role.
Magnussen said he was surprised but excited to receive the call from the team.
The arrival of Magnussen is a huge boost to the team after a difficult start to the year, which included the removal of Mazepin and the first preseason test that was hampered by car troubles.
The son of seven-time world champion Michael will be partnering with Magnussen.
Magnussen will provide a better measuring stick for the German youngster, as he out-performed Mazepin comfortably and regularly in 2021.
One of the most famous names in racing is that of Michael Schumacher, who is a reserve driver for the F1 team, and his father was a driver for the Italian team in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
He has been tipped for an elevation up the ranks. One of the most compelling storylines of the year will be how Schumacher fares against Magnussen.
Return of the MAG 😉#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/aUUS7lms0N
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 9, 2022
Kevin Magnussen will return to the Haas F1 Team, according to the statement.
Kevin was a straightforward choice for us because we were looking for a driver who could bring value to the team. Kevin is available immediately so we can use him as a resource for preseason testing with Mick and Pietro.
Magnussen has never had a truly competitive car, but he has been considered one of the sport's unrealised talents.
He finished second on his Formula One debut with McLaren at the Australian Grand Prix, but his arrival at the team caused it to fall from the top of the competitive order and he never finished on the podium again.
His switch to Haas was followed by a stint at Renault. The fifth-place finish was achieved by Magnussen.
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