It was a toxic work environment that led Kevin Magnussen to reject a contract offer from Renault in Formula 1. Although the brand denies it, the contract exists, says K-Mag.
Kevin Magnussen reveals that the working environment at Renault's Formula 1 team in 2016 was characterized by an unhealthy atmosphere.
He claims he could have stayed with Renault for another season, even though the team claimed they had not offered the Dane a contract.
"I could have continued. Even though they denied offering me a contract – I can show you the contract they offered me," Magnussen told Autosport .
The Danish racing driver, who is now heading to BMW's endurance program after leaving Haas, reflected on his Formula 1 career, including his podium finish after his debut with McLaren and his subsequent stints with other teams.
Magnussen described his time at Renault as an experience with an unhealthy work environment, and he expressed relief at having found stability and support at Haas.
"The whole situation was unhealthy there, so I was happy to have the chance to go to Haas and find that stability and that support," he explained.
He also spoke about his early simulator tests with Ferrari in 2018, which took place during a strong first half of the season with Haas.
– Suddenly Ferrari approached. Suddenly I was short in their simulator. Not for Haas, but for Ferrari. They were sniffing around, it seemed from Magnussen.
Magnussen admitted he was excited about the opportunity to join Ferrari, but when Charles Leclerc started to pull himself together in Sauber's Alfa Romeo-branded race car, contact with Ferrari disappeared.
– Charles Leclerc had just arrived in Formula 1 with Sauber. And the start of his first season was not good. And mine was really good! And then Ferrari suddenly got in touch, says Magnussen.
– But then Charles really started to impress, and I didn't hear anything, he concludes.
Magnussen left Renault after a single season and then briefly drove for Haas for four seasons before returning to Formula 1 with Haas in 2022.
He stayed here until 2024, when the contract between them was not extended. Instead, the Dane's seat went to Esteban Ocon, who himself was kicked out of the Renault team, which today calls itself Alpine.
