Peter Windsor shares where he thinks Kevin Magnussen would have expected to finish in Baku

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Kevin Magnussen was forced to sit out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a result of accumulating 12 penalty points – triggering an automatic one race ban.

Oliver Bearman took his place and became the first driver to score points with two different teams on his debut with them during a rookie season.

Even fans couldn’t believe Bearman’s performance, which could be very valuable to Haas at the end of the year, as the midfield constructors’ championship battle tightens.

The 19-year-old will return to the team in a full-time capacity for 2025, while Magnussen will wave goodbye to the team after seven seasons together.

Kevin Magnussen would’ve expected to finish fourth in Baku according to Peter Windsor

Magnussen will return to his Haas cockpit for the Singapore Grand Prix, one of just seven races left before it appears he will wave goodbye to Formula 1 for good.

His penalty point total has reset, so expect a nothing-to-lose approach from the Dane, who is well-known for sending it on his rivals.

He will need to combine with teammate Nico Hulkenberg to ensure that Haas receive their biggest payday since 2018, with a potential sixth-place finish up for grabs in the constructors’ championship.

READ MORE: Helmut Marko recognises where Adrian Newey could have helped Red Bull in Baku

Renowned Formula 1 journalist Peter Windsor was impressed by Bearman, but believes that Magnussen would have expected to finish higher than the Brit if he was in the car.

“I’d say Ollie Bearman probably second in that [driver of the day vote],” he told The F1 Hour podcast. “I think that was outstanding as well.

“I wonder what Kevin Magnussen thought about that. For sure, knowing KMag, he was thinking ‘ah yeah, well I would’ve been fourth’ in that race.”

How Bearman impressed much of the paddock in Baku

Bearman’s drive in Baku was both measured and mature, facing pressure from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton throughout the race.

In fact, Hamilton sent an ‘amazing’ message after the race, congratulating him and fellow rookie Franco Colapinto for their performances.

The biggest shame for the Brit is that he now has to wait nearly six months before getting back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in a race again.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen criticised for key Azerbaijan Grand Prix error he can’t blame Red Bull for

He will receive a great opportunity alongside Esteban Ocon to showcase his talents over the 2025 season, as Haas continue their rise through the field.

With their recent rate of improvement, they would expect to be in contention for points with both cars at every race in the future – a compliment to the work of new boss Ayao Komatsu.