Kevin Magnussen, a stalwart of Formula 1 for the past decade, is set to embark on a new chapter in his motorsport career. As the 32-year-old Dane prepares for his final Grand Prix with Haas this weekend in Abu Dhabi, it has been announced that he will join BMW M Motorsport to compete in endurance racing with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in 2025.
A New Era with BMW
Magnussen expressed excitement about the transition, calling it an opportunity to tackle new challenges with one of motorsport’s most iconic brands.
“I am happy and proud to represent such an iconic motorsport brand as BMW in some of the world’s most legendary races,” said Magnussen in a team statement. “After ten years in Formula 1, I am embarking on a new and exciting chapter.”
Magnussen will take on some of the most prestigious events in endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as part of BMW’s campaigns in both the IMSA series and the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). The full driver lineup for both series will be announced later, but Magnussen is already gearing up for what he describes as “the most innovative and advanced sports cars in the history of endurance racing.”
BMW’s Confidence in K-Mag
Andreas Roos, head of BMW M Motorsport, praised Magnussen’s addition to the program, citing his speed and experience at the highest level of motorsport as valuable assets for BMW’s LMDh project.
“Kevin Magnussen is an outstanding addition to our LMDh program. He has regularly demonstrated his speed at the highest level in Formula 1 over the past decade. His previous full season with a sports car prototype in 2021 is another advantage for us,” Roos said.
BMW’s lineup in this year’s FIA WEC included notable names like Robin Frijns, René Rast, and Sheldon van der Linde, but the inclusion of Magnussen underscores the team’s ambition to solidify its position in endurance racing.
From F1 to Endurance: A Proven Track Record
Magnussen’s F1 journey began with a bang in 2014 when he debuted with McLaren and secured a podium finish in his very first race. Over 185 starts in Formula 1, he consistently showcased his talent, with his best championship finish being ninth in 2018.
Beyond F1, Magnussen has a history of success in endurance racing. In 2021, he competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, securing a victory and five podium finishes in the DPi category. That same year, he participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in an LMP2 car, further honing his skills in sports car prototypes.
The Road Ahead
Magnussen’s move to BMW signals a shift in focus to endurance racing, a discipline where his adaptability and experience are expected to shine. With BMW fielding the innovative M Hybrid V8 in prestigious series like the IMSA and FIA WEC, the partnership offers Magnussen a platform to compete at the forefront of endurance motorsport.
As he bids farewell to Formula 1 this weekend in Abu Dhabi, Magnussen’s journey comes full circle, transitioning from the pinnacle of single-seater racing to a new challenge in endurance racing. His presence in the BMW M Motorsport family is poised to elevate the team’s ambitions and add a new chapter to an already storied career.
For Magnussen, the 2025 season isn’t just the start of a new chapter—it’s the continuation of a legacy built on adaptability, determination, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level.
