Ex-F1 driver Magnussen to make IndyCar debut for McLaren, replacing Rosenqvist

Rosenqvist has been ruled out of this weekend’s race at Road America after suffering a high-speed crash in the first race of last weekend’s Detroit double-header.

The Swede was taken to hospital for further checks but was released on Sunday after sustaining no serious injuries.

Arrow McLaren SP confirmed on social media that Rosenqvist hasn’t been cleared to race this weekend and thus will be replaced by Magnussen.

The team announced on Twitter: “Following an evaluation by the IndyCar Medical Team, Felix Rosenqvist has not been cleared to race at this weekend’s REV Group Grand Prix at Road America. Felix will continue to be supported by the team as he progresses in his recovery.

“Felix will be replaced for the REV Group Grand Prix by Kevin Magnussen, who will be making his IndyCar debut.

“Magnussen made 19 starts for the McLaren Formula 1 team in 2014, including a career-best finish of second at the Australian Grand Prix that year.

“Further updates about Felix’s status will be shared in due course.

It’s a remarkable return to McLaren for Magnussen, who was dropped at the end of his rookie season in 2014.

The Dane made a one-off appearance for McLaren in 2015, replacing Fernando Alonso, who couldn’t race in the Australia season-opener following a shunt in pre-season testing.

Magnussen spent a year at Renault before spending four seasons with Haas alongside Romain Grosjean - who was also dropped by the American outfit at the end of 2020.

His move to IndyCar reunites him with Grosjean, who currently races for Dale Coyne Racing.

Magnussen has already been competing in the US, winning in the IMSA SportsCar Championship round in Detroit for Cadillac Chip Ganassi Racing.

Oliver Askew - who replaced Rosenqvist on Sunday - will be in action again this weekend as he will take the place of Rinus VeeKay, who was injured in a cycling accident earlier this week.