Guenther Steiner Evaluates Kevin Magnussen’s Future in Formula 1
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has raised questions about Kevin Magnussen’s future in Formula 1, suggesting the Danish driver may be nearing replacement. Despite playing a pivotal role in reviving Magnussen’s career two years ago, Steiner expressed concerns over his recent performance compared to teammate Nico Hulkenberg.
In the current season, Magnussen has scored five points across 12 races, while Hulkenberg has amassed 22 points, finishing an impressive sixth in the last two Grand Prix events. With Hulkenberg set to join Sauber, which transitions to Audi in 2026, Ferrari-powered Haas is likely to undergo a complete lineup overhaul. British rookie Oliver Bearman has already been signed, with Esteban Ocon considered a leading candidate to join him.
Speaking at a promotional event, Steiner acknowledged his admiration for Magnussen but remarked that his recent performances, especially compared to Hulkenberg, have not been satisfactory. “Either Hulkenberg is exceptional, or Kevin is currently not meeting the standards required for an F1 seat,” Steiner commented candidly.
The Italian, who left Haas at the end of last season, remains a prominent figure in F1, partly due to his presence in the popular Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’. He suggested that several long-serving drivers on the grid, including Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, and Valtteri Bottas, should also face scrutiny regarding their team contributions.
Perez, in particular, has seen a decline in form since his contract extension with Red Bull, while Ricciardo and Bottas have struggled with inconsistent performances this season. Steiner emphasized that teams must critically assess whether retaining these drivers aligns with their competitive goals.
Regarding Haas’s ownership, Steiner admitted uncertainty about Gene Haas’s future plans for the team. “I’ve been with the team for a long time, and I still don’t know Gene’s intentions,” he disclosed, highlighting the ongoing speculation surrounding Haas’s involvement in F1.
As the season progresses, decisions about driver lineups and team strategies will likely shape the competitive landscape of Formula 1, with Magnussen’s future serving as a focal point for discussion within the paddock.
