The Haas F1 Team has confirmed that Kevin Magnussen will drive alongside Mick Schumacher in the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
The Danish driver has signed a multi-year contract agreement with the American outfit just weeks before the season opener.
The 29-year-old will drive the team’s VF-22 for the first time in the official pre-season test at Bahrain International Circuit, kicking off today.
He’ll be joining Schumacher and test and reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi at the test.
Magnussen previously raced for Haas F1 Team between 2017-2020 having landed at the American-owned team after his time with McLaren and Renault.
His final race from that came at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2020, after which he continued his racing career down different avenues.
Speaking about the newest addition to the team, Guenther Steiner, Team Principal of Haas F1 Team said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kevin Magnussen back to Haas F1 Team.
“When looking for a driver who could bring value to the team, not to mention a wealth of Formula 1 experience, Kevin was a straightforward decision for us.
“Kevin’s immediate availability means we can tap into him as a resource for pre-season testing alongside both Mick Schumacher and Pietro Fittipaldi.
“Pietro’s going to be first in this week with half a day’s running at the test on Thursday – that’s a great opportunity for him, with Mick and Kevin doing the rest ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.”
Steiner continued; “Kevin was a key component in our previous successes – not least when we both scored our best finishes in Formula 1 back in 2018. He continued to show last year that he’s an elite race car driver adding wins and podiums to his resume.
“As a veteran presence in both the garage and the engineering room, he’ll provide a solid benchmark for us with the on-going development of the VF-22. We’re all looking forward to welcoming Kevin back this week in Bahrain.”
“I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team,” said Magnussen.
“I was looking in a different direction regarding my commitments for 2022 but the opportunity to return to compete in Formula 1, and with a team I know extremely well, was simply too appealing.
“I really have to say thank you to both Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing for releasing me promptly – both are great organizations.
“Naturally, I also want to thank Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for the chance to resume my Formula 1 career – I know just how competitive they both are and how keen they are to return to competing week in and week out.
“We’ve enjoyed a solid relationship and our positive association remained even when I left at the end of 2020. I’ve been briefed as much as possible on the development of the VF-22 and the potential in the package.
“There’s work to do but I’m excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain.”
