Kevin Magnussen has revealed that he was a bit surprised to get a recall from the team that fired him in 2020.
Earlier on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Kevin Magnussen would replace Nikita Mazepin at Haas for the 2022 season. The American F1 team parted ways with the Russian driver, who was sacked following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, Magnussen, who has been on the F1 grid and podium before, has revealed that he was quite surprised that his former team had recalled him for the vacant seat. The Danish driver had previously raced for Haas from 2017 till 2020.
Magnussen will now partner with Mick Schumacher on the grid for the upcoming season with Haas. The 29-year-old has signed a multi-year deal with Haas. He is expected to be driving for the team at the pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Kevin Magnussen reveals variety of emotions after Haas recall
While speaking to reporters after being confirmed as the newest member of the Haas team, Magnussen admitted that he was surprised to be called up for the vacant seat. He also admitted that he was looking for different options in 2022 but a return to F1 was just too good to turn down.
“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,” he said.
Moreover, Magnussen will be familiar with most of his new team members as he drove for Haas before. Nevertheless, the new addition to the F1 grid remains ‘excited’ to participate in the top-tier of motorsport racing once again.
“I 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. Its an exciting opportunity for me,” he concluded.
Magnussen has 119 F1 starts and has also driven for McLaren and Renault before his time with Haas.
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