Magnussen has praised the advancements Haas has achieved this season. According to Magnussen, the 2024 Formula 1 season marks the first instance where Haas has implemented upgrades that have improved the competitiveness of their car. Haas has had an impressive campaign so far, accumulating 25 points in 14 rounds, surpassing their total of 12 points from last season. The American team currently sits seven points behind RB in the Constructors’ Championship, exceeding initial predictions that they would be at the bottom. Magnussen believes that the introduction of developments that have enhanced the speed of the VF-24 has played a crucial role in Haas’ ability to remain competitive against their rivals.
“I initially thought that we would be the lowest-ranked team on the grid this year, but that hasn’t been the case. It has been a pleasant surprise,” said Magnussen. “When reflecting on our performance, there are always areas where we could have done better, but I think that applies to everyone. Overall, I believe we have had a strong first half of the season. The second half has been particularly promising with the successful implementation of a few upgrades. This is the first time in Haas’ history that we have introduced upgrades that have made the car faster. It’s a significant step forward, and hopefully, we can maintain this positive momentum.”
Magnussen is currently in his seventh and final season with Haas, having had two separate stints with the team. Financial challenges during the pandemic led to his departure at the end of 2020. The Danish driver expressed concerns about Haas’ survival during those uncertain times, but the team is now in a much more stable position.
“During the height of the Covid crisis, things looked bleak,” he recalled. “It appeared that the team was in serious trouble. They had to let go of both myself and [Romain] Grosjean to cope with the situation. They brought in rookie drivers Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher to help them survive. At that point, I wasn’t sure what the future held for Haas. However, the team’s current situation is completely different from back then. They are much more sustainable and competitive now.”
In terms of performance, the trajectory and progress on the track have been evident. This season marks the first time we have seen continuous improvement. In previous years, we would start with a strong car but struggle to make further advancements. The challenge of managing a season while simultaneously developing the car proved to be too difficult. However, this year, we have found a way to balance both aspects. We are able to race competitively and make progress in our development simultaneously.
Haas, the newest and smallest team in the F1 grid, maintains a technical partnership with Ferrari to acquire non-listed components. Under the leadership of team boss Ayeo Komatsu, Haas is moving in a positive direction, overcoming more established competitors. Kevin Magnussen is confident in the team’s growth and transformation since he joined in 2017.
When reflecting on the team’s evolution, Magnussen notes that it has become much more established. Initially, he anticipated faster changes upon joining. Haas introduced a unique model in Formula 1, emphasizing outsourcing and purchasing parts within the regulations. However, progress was slow for a while. Recently, though, the team has experienced significant development. This process is exciting, and Magnussen believes that Haas has a promising future.
Considering the team’s structure from the beginning, the results achieved with limited resources and personnel have been impressive. It can be seen as an overachievement. Gene Haas, the team owner, always strives for more, which is why the team is in its current position. Nonetheless, Magnussen commends the entire team for their hard work and acknowledges that they have exceeded expectations given the circumstances.
Photo from Kevin Magnussen Instagram
