“It’s kinda getting old” - Kevin Magnussen addresses talks of "emotional weekend" with Haas
Kevin Magnussen said the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix doesn’t feel like the end of an era for him, despite it marking his final race in Formula 1. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, the Haas driver reflected on the emotional parallels to 2020, when he believed he had raced in F1 for the last time.
Following the 2020 season, Magnussen and teammate Romain Grosjean were replaced by rookies Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin for 2021. However, the Danish driver made a surprising return in 2022, replacing Mazepin, and marked his comeback with Haas’ maiden pole position in Brazil. Partnering with Nico Hulkenberg in 2023, Magnussen formed an experienced driver lineup as the American team underwent significant changes.
In 2024, Haas made notable progress, finishing seventh in the Constructors’ Championship after ending the previous season in last place. With Nico Hulkenberg departing to join the Audi F1 team in 2025, Haas is set to welcome Oliver Bearman. Amid the team's transformation, Magnussen, who leaves the sport after this season, will be replaced by Esteban Ocon.
Asked by Sportskeeda how emotional the weekend in Abu Dhabi has been, Kevin Magnussen said,
“You know, I think I've been in this situation before, so it's kind of getting old. I think somehow the emotions that I've been through before in a way. So I don't know, somehow the emotions that I've been through before in a way. So I don't know, it doesn't really feel like the last time in somehow. But, you know, yeah, I think, you know, as I said, I'm very thankful for all of them and I just feel good.”
Kevin Magnussen is surprised at how his family connected with Nico Hulkenberg’s family
Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, once known for their on-track rivalry and lack of camaraderie, developed a surprising and genuine friendship during their time as teammates at Haas. Speaking about their relationship, Magnussen said both he and Hülkenberg had matured over the years, crediting their shared experiences as fathers for bringing them closer together.
The Danish driver noted that their families grew close during their time in F1, with their daughters often playing together in the paddock. Reflecting on their bond, Magnussen reflected on how their dynamic had evolved, shifting from professional tension to mutual respect and friendship as they balanced the demands of racing with their lives as family men.
Asked about the two drivers' daughters becoming good friends, Kevin Magnussen said,
“They're really good friends, you know they...It’s unimaginable how Nico's and mine...my relationship evolved over the years and it's been fantastic to have both our families there and there's been a real connection there between our families and it's just been really enjoyable.”
Kevin Magnussen is set to transition to BMW M Motorsport for the 2025 season, where he will participate in the prestigious Daytona 24 Hours race, driving the M Hybrid V8 LMDh car. The Danish driver departs Formula 1 after making a notable impact at Haas, helping elevate the team alongside Nico Hulkenberg to a competitive midfield contender.
With Magnussen and Hulkenberg driving its cars, Haas concluded the 2024 season in seventh place in the constructors’ championship, a significant improvement from its last-place finish in 2023. In his final F1 race, Magnussen finished 16th but marked his farewell with the fastest lap of the race, a fitting end to his F1 career.