Axed F1 star set to return in SHOCK twist

Daniel Ricciardo and Kevin Magnussen talk at a press conference — Photo: © IMAGO

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Axed F1 star set to return in SHOCK twist

A shock return could be on the cards for a sacked F1 star

Kevin McKenna

Thursday 23 January 2025 09:54

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An axed Formula 1 star is set to make a surprise return to the sport just months after his dismissal.

The announcement comes as preparations ramp up ahead of the new campaign, with pre-season testing scheduled for next month in Bahrain before the racing gets underway in Melbourne on March 16.

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Anticipation is already building for the 2025 season, with fans desperate to see how Lewis Hamilton will fare in his debut season at Ferrari following his sensational move from Mercedes.

The Italian outfit are one of eight teams to feature a new driver lineup in 2025, with Aston Martin and McLaren the only squads going into the year with the same pairing that finished 2024.

Both Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas are without a seat in 2025

Fans will be eager to see Lewis Hamilton in action for Ferrari this season

Magnussen handed F1 return chance

The influx of new faces resulted in a number of drivers losing their seats for the new season, including the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez and Kevin Magnussen, while former VCARB racer Daniel Ricciardo will also be on the outside looking in having been sacked in September.

The Australian's time in F1 is seemingly at an end, but that hasn't stopped rumours swirling since his exit of the prospect of him making a surprise return at some stage.

Speculation over the future of Ricciardo's former rival, Kevin Magnussen, has also attracted interest in recent months after the Dane was dropped by Haas at the end of last season, with Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon the team's chosen pairing.

However, it has now been confirmed that the 32-year-old will retain an active role within the American outfit going forward.

Kevin Magnussen will remain with Haas as a test driver in 2025

According to The-Race.com, Haas is running a full test programme in an old car throughout 2025 and have agreed a deal with Magnussen for him to play a key role.

“He's going to drive some TPC events to provide a reference. We have got a good relationship," Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said.

There is also the possibility that Magnussen will attend some grands prix when available, but that remains to be seen having recently been announced as a works driver for BMW M Motorsport and participant in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.