Kevin Magnussen Confirms Haas Seat Open to Ferrari Juniors and F1 Rivals

It has been quite a curious career for Kevin Magnussen. Rated highly during his younger days and being part of the McLaren junior drivers’ programme marked the building blocks of his career. But shortly after, situations arose that took him to Haas, where he has been racing for four seasons now.

And as the new season approaches, Haas has not confirmed their drivers’ lineup yet. Which could only mean they are either negotiating with their existing drivers or are on the lookout for new drivers on the market.

Kevin Magnussen aiming to continue for Haas

But Magnussen is not concerned about the situation and feels calm about it. In an interview, he stated, “I would rather be in a totally safe position with a signed contract. Everything else would be weird, but I have grown with the task. I rest more in myself. 

“I can better do my best under this pressure and enjoy it. In the past, I was really touched by it. could not be in it and let it go beyond my performance. I feel that I have become much better at that.” (translated from Google Translate)

From the position that he is in and the car he has been given, Magnussen has performed decently in his four seasons at Haas. The 2018 season was especially fruitful for him, securing a 9th place finish in the final Drivers’ Standings.

And with his leadership attributes and racing talent, he seems the likelier option ahead of Grosjean to be retaining the seat.

Competitive drivers’ market a matter of ‘complication’

No matter what the reputation, Kevin Magnussen has not just fallen off the turnip truck. Magnussen recognizes that teams, especially Haas and Alfa Romeo, are spoiled for options for deciding their drivers’ lineup for 2021.

“It is clearly a more competitive driver market when you see who is available. They are strong. There are Perez and Hülkenberg and then Ferrari junior drivers like Schumacher and Shwartzman and Ilott. This means that there are a reasonable number of suitors for the seat.” 

Kevin Magnussen will hope that the contract extension comes his way sooner rather than later. But until then, he has 9 races in hand to prove his worth to the team.