Kevin Magnussen's decade-long Formula 1 journey is coming to an end—but for the Danish driver, it's not a step back. After Haas opted for a complete renewal of its team for 2025, Magnussen made the transition to sports car racing, a discipline he has long admired and where he is finally able to chase victories.
Frustrating F1 career comes to an end
Magnussen's F1 career, which spanned from 2014 to 2024 with stints at McLaren, Renault and Haas, was marked by determination but lacked glory. Aside from a podium finish on his debut in 2014, Magnussen spent most of his time racing in cars that had no realistic chance of winning.
“For 10 years I knew I had no chance of winning,” Magnussen reflected. “As a driver, it gets boring. I grew up wanting to be the best, but I’m ready to focus on a new chapter now.”
A new start with BMW M
Magnussen's new chapter begins with the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, where he joins BMW M Team RLL with its Hybrid V8 lineup. His 2025 calendar includes three IMSA endurance events and a full season in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) as a factory driver for BMW.
“It’s not a step backwards,” Magnussen said. “Sports car racing is purer. People here love what they do, and there is real passion. It's a completely different atmosphere to Formula 1, and I'm excited to be part of it. »
This change brings Magnussen closer to his roots. Growing up, he idolized his father, Jan Magnussen, a four-time sports car champion. Together, they raced as co-drivers in the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans, a memory that Kevin cherishes.
Satisfaction in a simpler life
At 32, with two young daughters, Magnussen embraced the slower pace of sports car racing. His WEC calendar, with most races in Europe, allows him to live comfortably in Denmark and spend more time with his family.
-“My daughters got to see me in Formula 1, and now they will experience the relaxed atmosphere of sports car racing. It's less cold, less unforgiving than F1. Here, everyone smiles and enjoys the sport,” he said.
No plans to return to F1 or IndyCar
Magnussen has no regrets about leaving F1 and no aspirations to return. “I've had my time in Formula 1, and I'm done chasing that dream,” he said. He also dismissed the idea of pursuing a career in IndyCar, calling it “the series that got away from me.”
For Magnussen, the focus is now firmly on sports car racing, a discipline that feels like home. “I grew up watching my dad race sports cars, and I always knew I wanted to be a part of that world. Formula 1 is the pinnacle for many, but I have a particular passion for sports car racing.”
The Rolex 24: A new beginning
The Rolex 24 at Daytona, North America's most prestigious endurance race, marks the start of Magnussen's new journey. With a strong team and his competitive spirit reignited, Magnussen is finally back to winning.
“Being in cars that can win is what every driver dreams of,” Magnussen said. “Now I’m back where I can fight for wins. I’m ready for this new chapter.”
