Sad news for Magnussen: No 24 Hours of Daytona for him

Kevin Magnussen has officially announced that he will not compete in the 24 Hours of Daytona next week.

Last Friday, it was announced that the Haas driver had a cyst in his hand and it had to be removed by surgery. Doctors are now advising him not to compete in the prestigious endurance race.

“The surgery went well, but I need to rest as much as possible to be fit for the fight before we begin preparing for the F1 season," the Dane says in a press release.

Formula 1 is important for him this year and it would not be wise to jeopardise the start of the season because of a poor recovery. That does not take away the fact that the Dane is saddened: “It’s a shame. I’ve been looking forward to that fantastic race and to get a new chance to drive with my father and MDK Motorsports.”

Magnussen has participated in the 24 Hours of Daytona twice before, so this race is not unfamiliar territory for him. Perhaps we will see him on the track again next year in his GT3 Porsche. For now, Jason Hart will take his place.