The grueling Singapore Grand Prix turned into a nightmare for Kevin Magnussen, who started 14th on the grid but ended his race in despair with a disappointing DNF just two laps from the finish. In a race that tested every driver’s endurance, Magnussen’s misfortune stood out, drawing harsh criticism from none other than his former boss at Haas.
A slight brush with the wall at the notoriously unforgiving Marina Bay Circuit sealed Magnussen’s fate, forcing him to retire on lap 60. The ex-Haas team principal didn’t hold back his frustration, labeling Magnussen as the “wa*ker” of the weekend in a scathing assessment.
“Wa*ker of the Weekend”: Magnussen’s Costly Error Slammed by Former Boss
“Okay, so who is your waker for Singapore? I think we have to give it to Kevin, no?” blasted the former team boss during a post-race analysis. “I mean, fuk’s sake, I love the guy, but it’s like he’s last and hits the wall, you know!”
Magnussen’s costly error came in stark contrast to his teammate’s performance, as Nico Hulkenberg placed his VF-24 in a stunning P6, highlighting the glaring difference in their outings. It was a particularly stinging criticism for Magnussen, who was making his comeback after being banned from the Azerbaijan GP.
Magnussen on His Way Out: Haas Eyes a Fresh Line-Up for 2025
As the Danish driver faces mounting scrutiny, his future in F1 appears bleak. Magnussen is set to be replaced by Alpine’s Esteban Ocon for the 2025 season, marking a major overhaul for Haas. The American outfit has also confirmed that Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman will join Ocon next year, completing an all-new driver pairing for the team.
Bearman, who recently made his F1 debut in Azerbaijan, has already impressed his future teammate. Ocon, a Grand Prix winner with extensive experience, praised Bearman’s pace and adaptability on the technical Baku circuit.
Ocon’s Praise for Bearman: “He’s a Remarkable Talent”
“What he’s done in Baku was really remarkable, and I knew it. I think everyone in the paddock knew that he’s a remarkable talent,” Ocon said of Bearman’s standout performance. “To be on pace straightaway at such a technical track was very impressive.”
With Ocon set to lead the team from 2025, the Frenchman’s experience and proven track record make him the de facto leader of Haas’s new era. Bearman, on the other hand, will have a valuable opportunity to learn from Ocon as they aim to drive Haas forward.
Haas’s Bold New Chapter
Haas’s decision to overhaul its driver line-up signals a bold new chapter for the team as they look to capitalize on the promise shown by Ocon and Bearman. With Magnussen’s F1 career likely drawing to a close, the spotlight now turns to the next generation. The pressure will be on Ocon and Bearman to deliver sensational results and steer the Kannapolis-based outfit to new heights in the seasons to come.
