Kevin Magnussen Replaces Nikita Mazepin at Haas F1
Kevin Magnussen is officially returning to Formula 1. The Haas F1 team made the announcement this morning ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain. Things were looking a bit messy at Haas over the last 72 hours or so.
Due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia and sanctions on Russian oligarchs, Haas F1 made the decision to drop Uralkali as its title sponsor and cut Russian driver Nikita Mazepin.
Uralkali is partly owned by Nikita’s father Dimitry Mazepin who has ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Needless to say, as the conflict in Ukraine continues, Hass F1’s association with Uralkali and Mazepin would have become increasingly problematic.
Once Mazepin was cut, the question became who would replace him alongside Mick Schumacher? At first, fans speculated that Haas would call up test driver Pietro Fittipaldi to fill the seat.
Pietro has worked with the team for some time and has a respectable racing pedigree. Though, it looks like Haas elected to go with a more seasoned driver such as Kevin Magnussen.
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Haas also confirmed that it has signed Magnussen for a “multi-year contract.” So, the Danish racer will stick with the team for at least two seasons.
We previously speculated that Haas would seek out a driver that could bring significant financial backing with them but it appears that Haas may have learned a lesson in choosing money over skill.
Despite bringing dollars to the team, Nikita Mazepin was objectively one of the worst drivers on the grid. Mazepin’s trouble on the track was so frequent, he earned the nickname “Mazespin.”
Though, sponsor dollars cannot be completely dismissed. Gene Haas (owner of Haas F1) is likely not interested in funding the team out of pocket for a long-term period. A new sponsor will need to be found and soon. Otherwise, the future of Haas F1 will remain uncertain.
What do you think of Kevin Magnussen returning to Haas F1? Is that the driver you would have chosen? If not, then who? Let us know in the comments below or tweet to us at @MotorworldHype.
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