Magnussen makes shock Haas return as Mazepin's replacement for F1 2022

Magnussen makes a sensational return to Haas on a multi-year deal after being dropped by the team at the end of 2020. 

The Dane replaces Mazepin, who was sacked by Haas on Saturday after it terminated its sponsorship deal with Russian company Uralkali.

Magnussen joined Haas in 2017, spending four seasons with the team alongside Romain Grosjean.

Prior to his spell with Haas, Magnussen spent one year with McLaren - scoring his maiden podium on debut at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix - and a single year with Renault in 2016.

Since leaving F1, Magnussen competed in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Chip Ganassi Racing and was announced as part of Peugeot Sport’s LMP1 line-up in the World Endurance Championship.

Magnussen will team up with Mick Schumacher with pre-season testing getting back underway in Bahrain on Thursday.

Test and reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi is set to drive for the team on the opening day of the test.

“I was obviously very surprised but equally very excited to receive the call from Haas F1 Team,” Magnussen said. “I was looking in a different direction regarding my commitments for 2022 but the opportunity to return to compete in Formula 1, and with a team I know extremely well, was simply too appealing.

“I really have to say thank you to both Peugeot and Chip Ganassi Racing for releasing me promptly – both are great organizations. Naturally, I also want to thank Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for the chance to resume my Formula 1 career – I know just how competitive they both are and how keen they are to return to competing week in and week out.

“We’ve enjoyed a solid relationship and our positive association remained even when I left at the end of 2020. I’ve been briefed as much as possible on the development of the VF-22 and the potential in the package. There’s work to do but I’m excited to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in Bahrain.”