Berman to Replace Unwell Magnussen at Haas for Brazilian Grand Prix

Kevin Magnussen will unfortunately miss the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend due to an illness. Nico Hulkenberg tested positive for COVID-19 and will also miss the event. Nico Hulkenberg stood in for Sebastian Vettel at the Aston Martin team for the first two races of 2022, and many expected him to replace Magnussen in Brazil, but Haas opted to give Antonio Giovinazzi his F1 debut instead.

Pietro Fittipaldi was also in contention to replace Magnussen, but the Brazilian driver is currently competing in the final round of the European Le Mans Series at Portimao this weekend, which made him unavailable for Haas.

Magnussen has been replaced by Pietro Fittipaldi, who will make his Formula 1 debut for the team. Fittipaldi is the grandson of two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi and has previously driven for Haas in free practice sessions. He also stood in for Romain Grosjean at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix after the Frenchman suffered a fiery crash at the previous race in Bahrain.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said: "We wish Kevin a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the team in Abu Dhabi. Pietro has been with us for a while now as our test and reserve driver, and we know he is capable of doing a good job for us this weekend. We are confident that he will be able to step in and perform well alongside Mick Schumacher."

Fittipaldi said: "I am very grateful to Haas F1 Team for giving me this opportunity to make my Formula 1 debut. I have been working hard for this moment and I am ready to give it my all. I would like to thank Kevin for his support and I wish him a speedy recovery."