Magnussen was due to compete in a second season of the IMSA SportsCar Championship this year, after winning a race in 2o21. He was also part of Peugeot’s World Endurance Championship line-up, due to be called on when the 9X8 Hypercar makes its debut after this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.
Instead, he will be tasked with ensuring Haas develops the VF-22 in the right direction, with upgrades expected to appear at a frenetic race across the gris during the early part of the season.
“Kevin was a key component in our previous successes – not least when we both scored our best finishes in Formula 1 back in 2018,” said team principal Guenther Steiner. “He continued to show last year that he’s an elite race car driver adding wins and podiums to his resume.
“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car”
“As a veteran presence in both the garage and the engineering room, he’ll provide a solid benchmark for us with the on-going development of the VF-22. We’re all looking forward to welcoming Kevin back this week in Bahrain.”
Haas reserve driver, Pietro Fittipaldi had been in line for the vacant seat and will still drive for the first morning of testing, before Magnussen and team-mate Mick Schumacher take over the driving.