Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has shared his plans for Kevin Magnussen’s future involvement with the team in Formula 1 beyond 2025. Despite being replaced by Esteban Ocon, Komatsu is eager to keep Magnussen on board in a different role if he doesn’t secure a race seat next year.
Magnussen has expressed his willingness to take on an advisory role or any other position that the team sees fit, given his long-standing relationship with Haas since 2017. Komatsu has outlined several options for Magnussen, including participating in the testing of previous cars (TPC) program that Haas will be running with Toyota’s collaboration.
The TPC program will allow Magnussen to set benchmarks and provide valuable input for young driver development. Additionally, Magnussen’s experience as a simulator driver at McLaren makes him a valuable asset for Haas as they set up their simulator in Banbury. He could also serve as a reserve driver for select circuits, leveraging his strong performance and expertise.
Komatsu emphasized the importance of giving Ocon track time during the end-of-season Abu Dhabi test to familiarize himself with the VF-24 car and provide valuable feedback for next year’s evolution. This test serves as a Pirelli test and a young driver test, with Ollie Bearman getting a chance to work with the team as well.
By involving Magnussen and Ocon in these testing opportunities, Haas aims to gather crucial data and insights to enhance their development process for the upcoming season. The collaboration between experienced drivers like Magnussen and upcoming talents like Ocon and Bearman can contribute to the team’s overall performance and competitiveness on the grid.
As Haas continues to explore different avenues for Magnussen’s involvement and maximizes Ocon’s preparation for next season, the team is setting a strong foundation for success in the competitive world of Formula 1. By leveraging the strengths and expertise of their drivers across various roles, Haas is poised to make significant strides in their performance and development efforts in the coming years.
