Kevin Magnussen back in Formula 1
Exit Mazepin
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is making people want to cut ties with Russia as soon as possible. This is also the case in Formula 1, where Haas tears up the contract with title sponsor Uralkali and also puts driver Nikita Mazepin out on the street. It has been suggested that the Russian drive under a neutral flag, but Haas did not want that. Haas wants nothing to do with the Mazepin family’s close ties to the Kremlin.
Magnussen back
At the end of 2020, Haas decided not to renew with Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen, the drivers at the time. They were replaced by Mazepin and Mick Schumacher, who both brought money in for Haas. The 29-year-old Magnussen is now returning to the old nest, for which he previously drove for four seasons. That is probably also the reason why Haas chooses Magnussen and not one of the other names mentioned, such as Giovinazzi, Nico Hulkenberg or Haas reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi. K-Mag has to get to work, because after a year of absence getting into a brand new F1 car will undoubtedly take some getting used to.