Guenther Steiner has shared that Kevin Magnussen texted him ‘two or three weeks’ before his departure from Haas was confirmed, asking for the phone number of another team leader in the F1 paddock.
Magnussen’s time at Haas ended before the Hungarian Grand Prix, with the team from North Carolina announcing that his second stint with them would conclude after the 2024 season. He originally joined in 2017 but was let go alongside Romain Grosjean for the 2021 season.
However, he returned impressively in 2022, finishing fifth at the Bahrain Grand Prix after replacing Nikita Mazepin at short notice.
Despite these achievements, Magnussen finds himself without a seat for the second time. Yet, the 31-year-old remains determined to continue his F1 career, with opportunities still available at Alpine, Williams, and Sauber.
Discussing their recent interactions on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner said, “He texted me, I think it was two or three weeks ago. He wanted the telephone number of one of the team principals.”
“I’m not sure what he wants to do with that! But that was the final text he sent me.” When questioned if the ex-McLaren and Renault driver doesn’t use an agent, Steiner responded sharply: “He acts as his own agent, I believe. He’s always managed his own affairs.
“He typically has someone to oversee things for him, but when it comes to contracts, I always dealt directly with him. Of course, he has someone to handle the paperwork or legal aspects – he doesn’t do that himself – but he personally handles the discussions.”
