It’s been suggested that Haas aren’t in a position yet where they’re happy to offer Kevin Magnussen a deal for 2024, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Magnussen has endured a bit of a disappointing campaign so far, with the Danish driver having often found himself behind team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, who returned to the sport this season.
Hulkenberg has been brilliant since returning to the grid, most notably during qualifying.
The German has been a typical figure in Q3 this year, a feat he achieved again on Saturday at the Hungarian GP.
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According to reports, Hulkenberg is set to be rewarded with a new contract for his excellent efforts so far this season, with Haas team owner Gene Haas being in the paddock this weekend.
However, the experienced driver hinted that a deal has already been agreed upon.
“Maybe there is no deal to be done?” Hulkenberg said with a smile in Hungary, as reported by Grandpx.news. “Maybe a deal is in place? Who knows?
“I think it works both ways at the moment, and I’m enjoying myself. So there’s no reason not to think why the relationship shouldn’t continue like this,” he added.
The same can’t be said for Magnussen, who seemingly needs to improve before being offered a new contract by Haas.
Haas team principal Guenther Steiner didn’t have much to say when asked about Magnussen’s future.
“We have to see about that,” Steiner admitted.
The team boss insists that he’s “absolutely satisfied” with both drivers though, despite a deal not being sorted yet for Magnussen.
“Logically, Kevin knows that he has to catch up with Nico,” said Steiner.
“At the moment Nico is just better. Kevin has no problem admitting that either.”
Despite his performances arguably not being as good as last season, Magnussen is “not too worried” about sorting a new deal with the American team, due to the fact that there were “no problems” last year.
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“We communicate all the time,” Magnussen said. “Both me and Gunther know that my contract expires at the end of the year, so of course there will be negotiations.
“When they will take place or whether they are happening already is not something I will expand on before something concrete appears. But if I want to race next year, then I need to sign a new contract,” Magnussen added.
“I’m not too worried about this, since there were no problems with it before.”