Kevin Magnussen has made his choice: the Dane will race for BMW in endurance next season, the news having been announced before the F1 season finale at the Yas Marina circuit.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could be the driver's final F1 race, but without a wheel for 2025, it was only a matter of time before his plans for the coming year were revealed.
The Haas driver, who had the option to stay as an ambassador and reserve driver, therefore joined BMW M Motorsport's factory LMDh program, which competes in both IMSA and WEC, including the 24 hours of Le Mans.
Details of his specific racing program for the team have not yet been confirmed.
“I am happy and proud to represent such an iconic motorsport brand as BMW in some of the most legendary races in the world,” Magnussen said.
“After ten years in Formula 1, I am embarking on an exciting new chapter and I look forward to the challenge behind the wheel of the most innovative and advanced sports cars in the history of endurance racing.”
“A big thank you to BMW M Motorsport for this fantastic opportunity. I can’t wait to start the preparations and look forward to kicking off the 2025 season with the rest of the team.”
BMW M Motorsport Director Andreas Roos added: “Kevin Magnussen is an exceptional addition to our LMDh program.”
“He has regularly demonstrated his speed at the highest level in Formula 1 over the past decade. With his extensive experience, he is a real asset to our project.”
“His previous full season with a prototype sports car in 2021 is another advantage for us, as it will surely facilitate his acclimatization to the BMW M Hybrid V8. I am very happy that Kevin Magnussen is now part of the BMW M Motorsport family .”
In the Abu Dhabi paddock this morning, Magnussen shared an anecdote. He said BMW's WRT WEC team owner Vincent Vosse saved his life when he fell into a swimming pool as a child.
“I spoke to Vincent Vosse, the owner of the WRT team, who manages the BMW team in the WEC to get this seat. I have known him since I was little. He saved my life when I was two years in the swimming pool at his house in Spa.”
“I jumped in the pool, I didn't know how to swim. He was in a suit, dressed for a gala he was going to and he jumped in the pool, which ruined his day, but hopefully I can make it up to him now . Contact has therefore always existed.”
