Kevin Magnussen is set to make a huge transition after Haas F1 exit as he joins BMW LMDh program for the 2025 season.
This announcement comes just ahead of the Danish driver’s final race with the Haas F1 Team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a pivotal moment in his motorsport journey.
Kevin Magnussen will pilot the BMW M Hybrid V8 prototype, a vehicle designed to compete in both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship, two of the most prestigious series in endurance racing.
Magnussen’s move to join the BMW LMDh program is not only a career shift but also a strategic alignment with a manufacturer that has a rich history in motorsport.
The Bavarian automotive giant is re-entering the endurance racing scene with its LMDh program, which combines elements from both IMSA’s GTP class and the FIA WEC’s Hypercar category. This innovative approach allows manufacturers to utilize shared technologies while maintaining unique characteristics within their vehicles.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 will be central to this initiative, and Kevin Magnussen’s experience is expected to play a crucial role in its development and success.
Having previously competed in endurance racing, the 32-year old is no stranger to high-stakes events. In 2021, he completed a full season with Chip Ganassi Racing’s Cadillac DPi-V.R in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, where he achieved one victory and five podium finishes.
Kevin Magnussen’s participation in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans that same year further solidified his credentials in prototype racing. This background positions him well for his new role with BMW, as he brings valuable experience and insights from both Formula 1 and endurance racing.
“Kevin Magnussen is an outstanding addition to the BMW LMDh programme,” said Andreas Roos, head of BMW M Motorsport. “He has regularly demonstrated his speed at the highest level in Formula 1 over the past decade. Thanks to his extensive experience, he is a true asset to our project.
“His previous full season with a sports car prototype in 2021 is another advantage for us, as it will surely ease his acclimatisation to the BMW M Hybrid V8. I am very delighted that Kevin Magnussen is part of the BMW M Motorsport family now.”
For Magnussen, the opportunity to join the BMW LMDh programme represents not just a new challenge but also an exciting chapter in his career.
“I am happy and proud to represent such an iconic motorsport brand as BMW in some of the world’s most legendary races,“ he said.
“After ten years in Formula 1, I am embarking on a new and exciting chapter, and I look forward to taking on the challenge in the most innovative and advanced sports cars in the history of endurance racing.
“A huge thank you to BMW M Motorsport for this fantastic opportunity. I can hardly wait to start the preparations and look forward to kicking off the 2025 season with the rest of the team.”
As he prepares for this transition, Magnussen reflects on his time in Formula 1, where he made his debut in 2014 and quickly made headlines by securing a podium finish at his first race in Australia.
Over the years, he has raced for several teams, showcasing his versatility and skill across various circuits worldwide. His best championship finish came in 2018 when he ranked ninth overall.
The announcement of Kevin Magnussen joining BMW comes as part of broader changes within Haas F1 Team, which has signed an all-new driver lineup for 2025 season, including Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman.
While there are discussions about Magnussen potentially remaining with Haas in some capacity, his primary focus will now shift towards establishing himself within the ambitious BMW LMDh program.
The upcoming season will see Kevin Magnussen participating in key events within both championships including the IMSA 24 Hours of Daytona on 25-26 January 2025, although specific details regarding his full racing schedule are yet to be announced.
