BMW M Motorsport signs Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen for its LMDh program. Photo Supplied
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F1 News: Magnussen’s Next Move Confirmed after F1 Exit

Posted by AR1 staff

Kevin Magnussen has opened up about his plans after his F1 exit. There has been some speculation on the matter ever since it was announced that Haas has decided to replace its current line-up.

Now that the confirmation about the plans have come from Magnussen himself, the public has started speculating about the potential prospects.

Magnussen has revealed that he’ll join BMW Motorsport as a works driver for the 2025 season to take the wheel of the M Hybrid V8. The details of his racing program haven’t been confirmed yet.

Magnussen Leaves F1

Haas has announced that Magnussen will leave F1 at the end of the 2024 season. He’s the team’s longest-serving driver, starting in 2017 and ending the contract for the first time in 2020, to return in 2022. The team has signed Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, according to ESPN sources.

After coming up with this plan, many speculated about Magnussen’s future in F1. A public announcement by Magnussen has put an end to those rumors. The departure has caused a stir in the gambling world as well, and betting establishments that offer wagers from eSports betting to betting on F1, such as the ones found here, have changed their odds based on it.

Where’s Magnussen Heading

Magnussen will head over to BMW Motorsport, which will allow him to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) or the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This is also not his first time competing in sports car racing – he competed in the 2021 IMSA campaign and 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving with his father, Jan Magnussen, in the latter.

Magnussen said: “I think there are some big races out there outside of Formula 1 that I’ve always been a big fan of. I grew up in sportscar racing with my dad because he was a sports car racer ever since I can remember.”

BMW Announcement

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, added that Magnussen “is an outstanding addition to our LMDh program. 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.”

BMW already has an impressive roster of drivers, and Magnussen will fit well within it. The teammates include motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi, former Formula E drivers Rene Rast and Robin Frijns, and IMSA record-breaker Bill Auberlen.

Magnussen’s Track Record

Magnussen, who comes from Denmark and is 32 years old, has competed in 185 Formula 1 races in his career. In 2013, he won the Formula Renault 3.5 title and joined F1 a year later. In his very first season, Magnussen secured second place.

His best championship ranking came in 2018 when he finished ninth in the drivers’ standings. When it comes to sports cars – Magnussen competed in the MSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA series), with one victory and five podium finishes. The same year, Magnussen took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in an LMP2 car.

Haas Statement

The exit was graceful for everyone involved, including the team that Magnussen is now leaving. Haas boss Aayo Komatsu had nothing but high praise for the racer.

“I’d like to thank Kevin for everything he’s given us as a team – both on and off the track, “He’s truly been a bedrock of our driver line-up over the years. Nobody’s driven more races for us, and we’ve had some memorable highlights together – not least a remarkable fifth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022 when Kevin returned to start his second spell with the team.”

BMW M Motorsport’s LMDh program.

BMW M Motorsport’s LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) program is an initiative relying on the latest hybrid technology, which allows BMW to compete in endurance racing events. This includes the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The class’s race car is the BMW M Hybrid V8, with Magnussen behind the wheel starting in 2025. The program is of great importance for BMW as it showcases the company’s technical abilities and helps preserve its brand in the world of racing and beyond.

To Sum Up

Kevin Magnussen has left his spot with Haas and, therefore, F1. It’s now known where he’ll be heading. He’ll race for BMW M Motorsport’s LMDh program. All parties, including his new and former team, have now been open about it, and they’ve issued gracious statements about the transfer.

Starting in 2025, Magnussen will be able to take part in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) or the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This isn’t his first time out of F1, as he’s quit once before, nor is it his first time racing sports cars. In fact, Magnussen’s background is in sports cars, just as his father’s was.