Returning to Haas F1 this year after being dropped last season, Kevin Magnussen has convinced with strong performances and has scored the majority of his team’s points so far.
The Dane was able to adapt to this new generation of Formula 1 despite a lack of preparation. Now well reintegrated into the American team, he explains how he helps his team to develop the VF-22 and, already, the single-seater of 2023.
« You try to be as invested as possible. At the end of the day, I tell myself that the engineers and the designers do what they know how to do. And as a driver, our contribution remains limited at the engineering level. You try to say what you want from the car, be specific about balance and performance, and then the engineering team takes care of the rest. »
« But I wasn’t involved in the development of this car and, you know, I adapted well to it anyway. At the end of the day, I guess we all want the same thing: more downforce and more power. « And this car is good in both aspects. As for next year, I think it will be about continuity. The team knows me well, they know what I like best and where my weaknesses are. . »
Valtteri Bottas is going through a similar situation to the Dane, who left Mercedes F1 to join Alfa Romeo this season. The Finnish driver is also very well integrated into his new team, and he is taking advantage of his long-term commitment to invest as much as possible in the development of the current car and that of the next season.
« Actually, since I joined the team, I think I have already managed to bring something through my experience, mechanically to the car, on the way the car behaves mechanically. So that’s good. And then, yes, for next year, we will have to work closely with the team on the smallest detail, depending on the behavior and operation of the car and the feelings of the drivers, who are always in the best position to judge. »
« And when I’m at the factory, I try to go around asking questions and giving feedback to those who work in certain areas, and that’s really something I like to do. I’ve seen the model of next year’s car first time in the wind tunnel, and I really like being involved in that way, it’s really interesting and it’s something quite new for me at this stage of the season to be projected so far ahead already . I am of course committed to the long term, so it’s good to work together on common goals. »
