Formula One drivers from Denmark

There have been 5 Formula One drivers from Denmark.

Current drivers

Kevin Magnussen driving for McLaren at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix

Kevin Magnussen driving for Renault at the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix

Kevin Magnussen became the first 2nd-generation Danish driver in Formula One when he debuted in the 2014 Australian Grand Prix for McLaren. The son of Jan hit the ground running with the highest-placed grid and finishing positions for a debutant in history, starting fourth and finishing third - which was elevated to second following the disqualification of Daniel Ricciardo. Magnussen however failed to continue this run of form and despite consistent points finishes throughout 2014 he found himself on the sidelines after McLaren announced their 2015 driver-line up of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso. Despite this, Magnussen would be required to fill in for Alonso at the opening race of 2015 following the Spaniard's crash in testing - however he did not take the start as the engine failed on the formation lap.

For 2016 Magnussen returned to a full-time drive with Renault alongside debutant Jolyon Palmer, where he has finished in the points only twice from the first 15 races.

Kevin Magnussen 2016 season position: 16th

Former drivers

Tom Belsø became the first Danish Formula One driver when he was entered in the 1973 Swedish Grand Prix, however only participated in practice before handing the car over to Howden Ganley. His race debut came at the 1974 South African Grand Prix, where he ended up retiring on the first lap with clutch issues. He entered 3 further races, all in the 1974 season, with the only other start and sole finish coming in Sweden with 8th place despite crashing in practice.

Two years later, Jac Nellemann made an attempt to qualify a customer Brabham for the 1976 Swedish Grand Prix. His failure to qualify ensured he was the only car entered not to start the race. He never entered another race.

Father of Kevin, Jan Magnussen made his debut in the 1995 Pacific Grand Prix as a replacement for the ill Mika Häkkinen, finishing 10th. Having raced in CART for 1996 he was picked up by Jackie Stewart's eponymous team for the 1997 season alongside Rubens Barrichello. He competed in 24 Grands Prix for the team, with his only point coming in his final race in Formula One, the 1998 Canadian Grand Prix. He is still an active driver today, mainly in sports cars.

Nicolas Kiesa made his debut at the 2003 German Grand Prix in a Minardi, following Justin Wilson's move to Jaguar. He competed in the final 5 races of the 2003 season, finishing all 5 but failing to score any points. He was replaced by Zsolt Baumgartner for 2004.

Timeline