Heading into the 2024 season, a highly volatile driver market was anticipated. However, for several months, the field was left in suspense as Carlos Sainz deliberated on his contract decision. Since the Spaniard’s Williams announcement, the dominos have slowly begun to fall. Unfortunately for Kevin Magnussen, the Dane is unlikely to secure an F1 contract for next season.
Magnussen has limited options
Although Magnussen is a driver with recognised qualities, his best chance of extending his time in F1 was with Haas.
The Dane himself stated that signing a new contract with the American team, where he has competed for seven years, was his priority to start the season.
Of course, this sequence of events did not transpire as the 31-year-old intended. Haas opted for an all-new driver combination, signing Esteban Ocon alongside Ferrari junior Olive Bearman.
With Komatsu’s new drivers for 2025 confirmed, the most viable door for Magnussen in Formula 1 shut firmly in front of him.
Only a few teams have seats available for 2025, and the Dane has scarcely been linked to any.
Alpine and Sauber are unlikely destinations
Excluding the front-runners, only two teams have vacancies for next season. Alpine and Sauber, for a variety of reasons, are experiencing significant turnover across their respective operations.
Audi’s influence over Sauber is growing, with the German brand making key decisions ahead of the 2026 regulations.
Meanwhile, Alpine have appointed Oliver Oakes as their new team principal.
His appointment marks another change in leadership at Enstone, coinciding with the departure of Esteban Ocon – who spent almost half a decade with the team.
Unfortunately for Magnussen, these changes are unlikely to move the needle.
Move to IndyCar or WEC on the cards
Of course, motorsport goes far beyond the F1 paddock. Magnussen has experienced this first-hand, signing with Peugeot’s WEC team for the 2022 season – only to return to Haas at the last minute.
He also competed in IMSA in 2021 for Chip Ganassi and even made a one-off appearance in IndyCar for McLaren.
These experiences, in combination with his time in F1, should give him attractive options for 2025.
Whilst staying in the paddock is a tall order at this stage, Magnussen will still be active in negotiations over the coming months.
