via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: Romain Grosjean of France and Haas F1 walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 14, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: Romain Grosjean of France and Haas F1 walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 14, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Former F1 driver Kevin Magnussen is excited to make his IndyCar debut this weekend. The Danish driver is replacing Felix Rosenqvist at Arrow-McLaren SP. This marks a welcome return to the McLaren family after 2014 for Magnussen.
Magnussen could not find a seat in F1 after the 2020 season as his former team Haas dropped him. The former McLaren driver had a stellar F1 career as he found his way to the podium during his debut race in 2014. At the Elkhart Lake circuit, Magnussen was reunited with his former Haas teammate Romain Grosjean.
Romain, like Kevin, did not have a seat in F1 after the 2020 season so he decided to race IndyCar with Dale Coyne Racing in 2021. Kevin finished 23rd of the 24 cars that set flying laps in the practice session. Magnussen was 2.8s off Grosjean, who topped the session.
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Watch Story: 5 F1 Crashes Which Stunned the World
“It was pretty wild and a really cool experience”- Kevin Magnussen
According to The Race, this was the first time the Dane was driving an IndyCar in his career. He referred to the experience as ‘wild’ and ‘exciting’. He also made a remark on his former F1 teammate and friend Grosjean.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Haas’ Kevin Magnussen during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
“It was pretty wild and a really cool experience. It’s a wild beast, this one,” said Kevin. He also stated that he now understands why Romain Grosjean was “always smiling” about driving in the IndyCar format.
Magnussen has one more practice session to get used to the cars and try to make a mark in his first qualifying session. Grosjean was fastest in the session followed by Ryan Hunter-Reay of Andretti Motorsport and Josef Newgarden of Team Penske.
Read more: Which Teams Use Ferrari Engines in F1?
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; IMSA Series driving team of Renger van der Zande, Kevin Magnussen, and Scott Dixon (01) makes a pit stop because of a flat tire with six minutes left in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports.
Can Magnussen join IndyCar permanently?
Since leaving Formula One in 2020, Magnussen has raced in the WeatherTech Sportscar championship. He currently sits 4th in the championship before he got called for IndyCar.
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Kevin might have a future in IndyCar as he is racing for the Chip Ganassi Racing team in the Sportscar championship. Chip Ganassi also has a team in IndyCar with Marcus Ericsson and Scott Dixon as the drivers.
What do you think? Can Magnussen join IndyCar permanently? Comment below to let us know.
