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Kevin Magnussen Stuns Daytona: Ex-F1 Star Shines in Debut IMSA Performance

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
January 27, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Kevin Magnussen Stuns Daytona: Ex-F1 Star Shines in Debut IMSA Performance

Jan 25, 2025; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; BMW M Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8 of Phillipp Eng, Dries Vanthoor, Raffaele Marciello, and Kevin Magnussen (24) races during the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Kevin Magnussen proved he’s far from done with elite motorsport in his Daytona 24 Hours debut with the #24 BMW M V8 Hybrid, showcasing incredible adaptability and skill despite limited preparation. The former Formula 1 driver’s performance at the IMSA SportsCar Championship season opener has left teammates and rivals in awe, signaling he’s a force to be reckoned with in endurance racing.


Thrown Into the Deep End

With just one test and minimal simulator time under his belt, expectations were modest for Magnussen heading into Daytona. But the Danish racer quickly silenced any doubts, delivering a stellar performance in a race filled with challenges. From frigid track temperatures and worn tires to grueling double stints, Magnussen’s resilience shone brightly.

Magnussen, who had competed at Daytona twice before in GT machinery, faced an entirely new beast in the LMDh class. Yet, he thrived under pressure, keeping pace with sportscar veterans like Dries Vanthoor, Philipp Eng, and Raffaele Marciello.


Moments of Brilliance

Magnussen’s finest stint came after dawn on Sunday, where his calculated aggression and maturity were on full display. Taking advantage of a mistake by a Porsche driver, he leaped into second place but backed off in a dicey battle, ensuring his car stayed in contention. His ability to balance risk and reward underscored the technical and mental growth he’s achieved.

“I think people get quite excited to start racing early,” Magnussen said. “I just have to stay calm and stay out of these crazy fights. Sometimes it gets a bit hairy, and there’s no reason for it.”

Despite limited time in the car, Magnussen logged 6 hours and 20 minutes of drive time—just shy of his more experienced teammates. His laptimes were equally impressive, ranking among the fastest in the field.


Team Praise and Chemistry

BMW Motorsport head Andreas Roos and teammate Philipp Eng couldn’t hide their admiration for Magnussen. Eng, a seasoned sportscar racer, praised Magnussen’s technical knowledge and adaptability.

“What I really appreciate about him is his technical knowledge—it’s incredible. I can still learn a lot from him,” Eng remarked. “He’s a pure racer, and it’s great to have him on the team.”

Roos echoed those sentiments, emphasizing Magnussen’s seamless integration into the team:

“It felt like he was already part of the team for five years. He showed this weekend that he’s one of the best.”


A Promising Future in Endurance Racing

Magnussen’s debut has set high expectations for his upcoming campaign in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). If this performance is any indication, rival manufacturers should be on high alert. His mix of Formula 1 pedigree and newfound endurance racing expertise positions him as a formidable contender.


Conclusion

Kevin Magnussen’s Daytona performance was a statement: his transition from Formula 1 to endurance racing is not just a career pivot but an opportunity to redefine his legacy. With his first race setting a high bar, the motorsport world can expect thrilling performances from Magnussen in 2025 and beyond.

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