After a thrilling yet demanding stint in Formula 1, Kevin Magnussen is gearing up for an exciting return to sportscar racing with BMW’s LMDh program in 2025. The Danish driver, who first captured attention in the endurance racing world with Cadillac in 2021, now sets his sights on tackling the FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) Hypercar class—arguably the most competitive era the series has ever seen.
From F1 Grind to Sportscar Grace
Magnussen’s F1 career concluded after a challenging 2024 campaign with Haas, but his enthusiasm for motorsport remains undiminished. Reflecting on his prior experience in IMSA, Magnussen expressed nostalgia and a sense of rejuvenation.
“In 2021, I had a great time. It was nice to sort of go back to basics and just race for the fun of it,” Magnussen shared. “Not that F1 isn’t fun, but it’s different—it’s so intense. Sportscar racing brought back that joy of just driving.”
Magnussen’s return to endurance racing will begin at the iconic 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2025, marking the next chapter of a career that has spanned both single-seaters and endurance classics.
A Hypercar Era Like No Other
The WEC’s Hypercar class has seen an unprecedented influx of manufacturers, including Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, and now BMW, creating a hotbed of competition. With 18 Hypercars on the grid in 2024 and 23 entries at Le Mans, the diversity in engineering and design has transformed the series into a spectacle for both racers and fans.
“Each car has a clear identity,” Magnussen said. “As a car enthusiast, it’s cool to see these brands fighting against each other with such unique concepts. It’s a sexy era for sportscar racing.”
BMW’s M Hybrid V8 program is already making waves, with a maiden victory in IMSA and its first WEC podium in 2024. Magnussen will drive for WRT BMW, where his history with team owner Vincent Vosse adds a personal touch to the journey.
“Vincent saved my life when I was two years old,” Magnussen recounted. “I jumped into his pool, couldn’t swim, and he rescued me—ruined his suit in the process! It feels special to reconnect with him in this way.”
A Promising Challenge Ahead
Magnussen’s return to sportscars coincides with a golden era for the discipline. The Hypercar class boasts fierce competition, with six different winners in the 2024 season—a testament to its unpredictability. With BMW’s program gaining traction and Magnussen’s proven adaptability, the Dane looks set for a strong campaign.
“The cars are incredible, and the field is more competitive than ever,” Magnussen remarked. “I can’t wait to jump in and see what we can achieve.”
While F1 fans may miss Magnussen’s grit on the grid, his move to endurance racing signals a thrilling new chapter. With a strong team, cutting-edge machinery, and an era defined by intense rivalry, Magnussen’s return promises plenty of fireworks in 2025.