Axed F1 star given LIFELINE as new seat announced in ....

Axed F1 star given LIFELINE as new seat announced in …..read more

An axed Formula 1 driver has been granted a significant second chance in motorsport, as he takes on a new role with BMW M Motorsport. This lifeline comes after his departure from the F1 grid, and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.

The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to bring a wave of fresh talent to the grid, a trend sparked by the unexpected announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. This move has triggered a reshuffling of drivers across several teams, significantly altering the landscape for veteran racers. With Hamilton’s departure, Mercedes has moved quickly to secure the services of 18-year-old rising star Kimi Antonelli, who will replace the seven-time world champion.

Meanwhile, Alpine has also been busy reshuffling their lineup, promoting young Australian Jack Doohan to a full-time F1 seat for 2025. At the same time, the Sauber team, currently in the process of transitioning to become Audi from 2026, will give a debut to talented Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto. In addition, British prodigy Oliver Bearman is set to take over at Haas, replacing the experienced Kevin Magnussen. Bearman, who impressed during his two Grand Prix outings in 2024, will bring a fresh wave of youthful energy to the American team.

For Magnussen, 2025 marks the likely end of his Formula 1 career. The 31-year-old Dane has been a staple of the F1 grid since 2014, with notable performances that included one podium finish and a pole position. His F1 career has not been without its ups and downs, with two seasons—2015 and 2021—spent away from the sport due to team decisions. However, the arrival of younger talents has pushed Magnussen out of the picture, with Haas opting to bring in Bearman as part of their long-term plans. As a result, the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set to be Magnussen’s last race in Formula 1.

Despite this setback, Magnussen has been quick to secure an exciting new opportunity in motorsport. In an official announcement, BMW M Motorsport confirmed that the Danish driver will join their hypercar programme for the 2025 season. Magnussen will drive the BMW M Hybrid V8, a state-of-the-art machine developed for the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the World Endurance Championship (WEC). This is a significant shift for Magnussen, who is transitioning from the high-speed, single-seater world of F1 to the endurance racing scene, where the emphasis is on strategy, long-distance racing, and cutting-edge technology.

In his statement, Magnussen expressed his excitement about this new chapter in his career. “I am happy and proud to represent such an iconic motorsport brand as BMW in some of the world’s most legendary races,” he said. “After ten years in Formula 1, I am embarking on a new and exciting chapter, and I look forward to taking on the challenge in the most innovative and advanced sports cars in the history of endurance racing.”

Magnussen also took the opportunity to thank BMW for the trust and belief in his abilities, stating that he was “thrilled” to join the team and looking forward to the challenge that lay ahead. “A huge thank you to BMW M Motorsport for this fantastic opportunity. I can hardly wait to start the preparations and look forward to kicking off the 2025 season with the rest of the team,” he added.

BMW’s move to bring Magnussen into their hypercar programme is a strategic one. The German manufacturer has been building momentum in the endurance racing scene, with their participation in major events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the IMSA series. The M Hybrid V8 is part of BMW’s ambitious project to make a statement in the prestigious World Endurance Championship, a championship known for its intense competition and innovative technology. Magnussen’s experience and racing pedigree will add valuable depth to BMW’s efforts in these high-profile races.

With his new role at BMW M Motorsport, Magnussen has a chance to continue his racing career at a very different level, taking on new challenges in some of the most exciting and prestigious motorsport events in the world. While his departure from Formula 1 signals the end of an era for the Dane, it also opens the door to a fresh and thrilling adventure in the world of endurance racing. The 2025 season promises to be a turning point, not just for Magnussen, but for motorsport fans who will get to see him compete in a new and innovative arena.