Official: Kevin Magnussen to join Haas in 2017
Following the announcement of Esteban Gutiérrez's departure, we didn't have to wait long to find out the identity of Romain Grosjean's next team-mate. As expected, Kévin Magnussen's name came out of the hat. And it was at the end of the second free practice session on Friday that the news was made official.
In the transfer market, after the official announcement of Esteban Ocon’s arrival at Sahara Force India, followed by Jolyon Palmer retained at Renault for an additional season, it’s Gene Haas’s turn to officially announce the arrival of Kevin Magnussen in his team.
The 24-year-old Dane, after a stint with McLaren in 2014 and then Renault, will replace Esteban Gutiérrez in 2017 alongside Romain Grosjean.
Gene Haas is pleased with the arrival of the future ex-Renault driver in his team: « From the moment we were looking at the list of different drivers, Kevin Magnussen was always on our list. He has accomplished a lot in a short period and we believe he can achieve great things with us. Our second season will bring us a lot of new challenges, and we believe that Kevin and Romain will help us develop our new car, to continue progressing. »
The director and founder of the American team does not forget to thank the Mexican driver for the work accomplished during this year: « I want to thank Esteban Gutiérrez for all his efforts. He played an essential role in our first year in Formula 1, and we look forward to finishing the season as well as possible with him and Romain. »
Regarding Kévin Magnussen, the joy of announcing his choice for 2017 was present in the Interlagos paddock.
So pleased to announce my plans for the future. Can’t wait to join @HaasF1Team! #NeverGiveUpOnTheDream pic.twitter.com/2VxWR1U95I
— Kevin Magnussen (@KevinMagnussen) 11 novembre /f1/actualite/21519-esteban-ocon-rejoint-sahara-force-india-pour-plusieurs-saisons.html
He considers himself happy and enthusiastic about this new challenge: « It’s a fantastic opportunity, and I will be very happy to be part of the Haas F1 Team. Obviously, I believe in my abilities as a Formula 1 driver, but I also have confidence in the Haas F1 Team’s capabilities for their second season and all the seasons to come. Gene Haas entered Formula 1 with a strong vision and a different way of doing things. I’ve had a good feeling throughout the season and I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the Haas VF-17 next year. »
