Kevin Magnussen has admitted he wants to remain in Formula 1 amid the news that he won’t continue with Haas in 2025, but he’s not worried about exiting the sport.
Haas announced on Thursday morning in Hungary that Magnussen will depart the team once his contract expires, bringing a close to their seven-season relationship.
The Dane, who is expected to be replaced by Esteban Ocon, has expressed that it is bittersweet to be leaving right as Haas is sustaining an upturn in competitiveness.
However, Magnussen has acknowledged that opportunities elsewhere remain on the F1 grid, with Alpine, Sauber/Audi and Williams all still to finalise their 2025 plans.
When asked whether he was disappointed with the news – which he revealed arrived via telephone earlier this week – Magnussen responded: “I mean, yes and no.
“Would I have liked to continue here? I think, you know, had I continued, it would have been cool to see, you know, the fruits of the momentum that’s been built here recently.
“That would have been interesting, but I think there’s also other interesting projects out there, and there’s still seats available in Formula 1. That could be interesting.
“Of course, Carlos [Sainz] is still holding up all that process, but eventually it’s going to move.
“So, right now, I think the best thing is just to focus on doing good races and then up being contention for these seats available, and things will fall into place eventually.”
Magnussen has reiterated the stance that he is interested in other available seats in F1 and believes that all the remaining vacancies would be intriguing propositions.
“I hope I can stay in Formula 1,” he stated. “I think there’s some interesting seats available. I think all the teams by now in Formula 1 are interesting.
“The whole bunch… You could look at any team and say they might be a top-five team next year. Everyone’s so tightly together. It feels like there’s still interesting opportunities.
“Although Haas is in a good position right now, you could say it’s a pity because they’re doing so well right now, but everything could change next year.
“One of the other seats could be more competitive. You never know.”
However, Magnussen, who competed in various series during 2021 before his return to F1 with Haas, has insisted he holds an interest in alternative racing disciplines.
“Well, I don’t see myself putting an end to racing, you know, anytime soon,” he explained. “So, I think, you know, I’m in Formula 1.
“Of course, Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, but I’ve always been of the opinion that racing outside of Formula 1 is also awesome.
“So, I think while you have a chance to be here, you need to do that.
“I’ve had a few chances, actually, but you don’t get a chance every day to race in Formula 1. So, you know, it’s natural that everyone tries to stay here.”
The ex-McLaren and Renault racer has divulged how his experience dealing with exiting the sport once before has ensured that he’s not scared about what’s to come.
“In 2021, I was out of F1, but I was racing in IMSA. It’s actually quite a busy schedule,” he reviewed.
“You’re going to America 11 or 12 times during the year. It wasn’t a quiet year, but it was at least a very different year.
“You have to remember my whole life since I was a little kid was about getting to Formula 1. Then I’ve had 10 years in the sport.
“It was interesting and exciting to see a different side of life in 2021. It wasn’t frightening. It was actually very positive and fun.
“I think that changed my mindset in terms of… I had a lot of fear before that of losing in Formula 1, because I didn’t know what was on the outside.
“That showed me that hold on to Formula 1 as long as you can, but don’t fear the outside. The afterlife is going to be good.”
Pressed on whether he was exploring outside avenues in the weeks preceding his Haas exit, Magnussen answered: “I know a lot of people outside.
“When do you go into the box of, now I’m exploring. I just talk to people. I’m in touch with everyone.
“Even when I knew I had a contract in Formula 1, the next year I was still talking to people.
“So it’s just like, I talk to people of course, but it’s not like I’m in contract negotiations with anyone or anything like that.”
