Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen talked about his future as a Formula One driver on Thursday leading up to the British Grand Prix. Making his F1 debut at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix — scoring a podium that day — he has driven for Haas over two spells (2017-2020; 2022-2024).
The Dane reiterated that Carlos Sainz is the person who needs to make a decision as currently he’s the big driver who’s in talks with multiple teams. It’s leaving the likes of Bottas, Ocon, Zhou and Doohan waiting, too.
“Yeah, I mean, he is the guy that needs to make a decision for, you know, the rest of the guys available to get first in line.”
Magnussen said that he is currently focusing on staying in Formula One. However he is open to other series as well, seeing how hectic the driver market can be.
The Dane dabbled in IndyCar and Sportscars during 2021 when it looked like his F1 career was done following the 2020 season.
“You know, there’s a lot of stuff going on, and you have to look at your options. I said I consider everything, and I would say myself, personally, I’m focusing on Formula One. But, of course, there’s a lot of options outside as well, so it’s interesting.”
When asked why he chose to focus on Formula One, the 31-year-old stated he isn’t in a rush to find a seat elsewhere now, as he can do that if he isn’t one of the ones who’ll make the cut for an F1 seat.
He’s also sympathetic for Sainz as they’re currently in a triple header — the Spaniard has to fully focus on the current season.
“I can do that in two years as well, right? I could do it next year also. But, you know, I’m considering all my options and thinking about my future, of course.
“But it’s also pretty all-consuming to be in Formula One, you’ve seen Carlos dragging things out. I can imagine him having to take all these decisions in the middle of a triple header is just not easy.
“You put all your focus and energy into delivering in your current job and your current position. So I think it is something that as a driver, you leave it into other people’s hands when it’s in times like this that are so busy on the calendar.
“And eventually you get a chance to make a decision. That will have to come at some point.”
One of the reasons why Magnussen isn’t focusing elsewhere yet is that Formula One is still the pinnacle of motorsport. For him, it’s still a great opportunity that shouldn’t be passed on, and is currently laser focused on the upcoming Grand Prix.
However, the Dane, having raced outside of F1 and driving in other categories previously, isn’t concerned that he may be out of a seat in F1 next year as there will be plenty of options for 2025.
“Yeah, it is the pinnacle, and it’s something that most of us here on the grid have dreamt of since we were kids. Regardless of what anyone says, getting to Formula One is most young drivers’ dream. So when you’re here, it’s fantastic and it’s a great opportunity.
“And if you get the chance, you have to grab it. I’ve been in the paddock for 12 years, but I’ve been in a race seat for over 10 years with some breaks in the middle. But I’ve had some experiences outside that were awesome and I’m pretty chilled out with whatever’s going to happen.
“And I know life’s going to be good. So, you know, although these cars are awesome to drive and Formula One is the pinnacle, there’s also a great life outside of Formula One. But I’m a racing driver and I want to race.
“I don’t know if I can be happy if I’m not racing. But I don’t think Formula One is the only thing that you can have fun and be fulfilled with your passion and achieve great things. But as I say, for now, right now I’m in the triple header and focusing on that.”
