Kevin Magnussen has been officially confirmed as Haas test and development driver for the 2025 F1 season marking his continued association with the American racing outfit.
While the experienced Danish driver will no longer occupy a full-time race seat, his new role as Haas test and development driver represents a significant commitment to the team’s ongoing performance and technological advancement.
Following his departure from the primary racing lineup, Kevin Magnussen will now focus on multiple critical responsibilities that leverage his extensive Formula 1 experience.
The 32-year-old driver will primarily engage in the team’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, where he will drive two-year-old machines to generate valuable reference data for the team’s new race drivers, Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized Magnussen’s crucial role, highlighting the driver’s unparalleled experience and feedback capabilities.
“Kevin’s experience and feedback are second to none,” Komatsu stated. “He’s going to participate in some TPC events as Haas test and development driver. We have got a good relationship.”
The team will utilize Magnussen’s expertise not only through on-track testing but also in simulator development, leveraging Toyota’s state-of-the-art facility due to the growing partnership between Haas and the Japanese manufacturer.
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Besides taking the Haas test and development driver role, Kevin Magnussen’s involvement might extend to reserve driver role for several races during the 2025 F1 season. Negotiations are currently ongoing, which would position him to potentially step in for Ocon or Bearman should circumstances require.
This flexible arrangement ensures the team maintains a robust contingency plan while keeping the seasoned driver closely integrated with the team’s operations.
Magnussen’s professional trajectory reflects a nuanced approach to maintaining his presence in Formula 1. While he will continue his primary motorsport commitments with BMW’s LMDh program in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and World Endurance Championship, including prestigious events like the Daytona 24 Hours and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, his connection with Haas remains strong.
The decision to retain Magnussen as Haas test and development driver demonstrates the recognition of his long-standing relationship with the team. Having been associated with Haas since the team’s inception in Formula 1, he represents a critical link to the team’s history and development.
His insights will be particularly valuable as Haas continues to evolve its technical partnership with Ferrari and integrates young talents like Bearman into their racing program.
Interestingly, the team is also exploring additional options for reserve driver roles. Toyota protégé and 2023 Super Formula champion Ritomo Miyata, who recently participated in a TPC run with Haas at Jerez, emerges as a potential candidate.
The 25-year-old Japanese driver who is currently competing in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Championship represents another potential talent in the team’s developmental pipeline.
Magnussen’s transition to Haas test and development driver role reflects the dynamic nature of modern F1, where driver roles extend far beyond traditional racing seats. His continued involvement illustrates the sport’s increasing emphasis on technical development, driver expertise, and strategic long-term planning.
