Komatsu confirms Magnussen will finish 2024 season

Team principal Ayao Komatsu has confirmed that Kevin Magnussen will be back in his Haas car next weekend for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Magnussen, the team's experienced regular driver who will be replaced by rookie Oliver Bearman for 2025, is missing the race in Baku due to a suspension of his FIA super license.

Komatsu admitted on Friday that there are positives to the situation, as it gives 19-year-old Bearman an early opportunity to experience a full race weekend with his new team ahead of 2025.

"It's a great opportunity for him, but also for us as well," Komatsu commented.

"And then, to be alongside Nico (Hulkenberg), we cannot ask for a better reference. So yeah, it's a great opportunity for everyone," he added.

Haas did not attempt to challenge Magnussen's Baku suspension, and some have speculated that the American outfit believes the driver deserves the penalty.

Komatsu dismissed these rumours.

"Honestly, the episode (at Monza) with (Pierre) Gasly was insignificant in my opinion. We told him to open a ten-second gap to (Alex) Albon, which I didn't think was possible, but then he was constantly on the limit and without mistakes. It was a phenomenal performance," he explained.

When asked if Haas considered leaving Magnussen out for the remainder of the season to give Bearman more early experience, Komatsu was clear in his response.

"No, no real thoughts about putting Ollie in the car for the rest of the season," he said.

"Well, I would be lying if I said there were zero considerations, but it was not a real consideration," he added.

"At Monza, everyone saw how Kevin can race. That is his strength. Sometimes a bit too aggressive like in Miami, but when he's having his day, he delivers amazing races."

"After this race, the black cloud is gone, and he has zero points on his license again. We reset and we go on," Komatsu concluded.

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