F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Magnussen: 'Embarrassing' crash set up poor race result

Kevin Magnussen said his dismal result in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix was set up by his "quite embarrassing" crash in qualifying earlier in the day.

Magnussen spun into the wall at Suzuka's on the exit of the final chicane in Q1, caught out by a gust of wind, a phenomenon that challenged drivers during the delayed session and also led to the early demise of Williams' Robert Kubica.

"I went on the power, I had full throttle, and then suddenly I got wheelspin, and spun around, which was unfortunate and quite embarrassing really, but shit happens," Magnussen said.

"I just didn’t expect to get such a big gust of wind there right in the tail. I showed everyone what not to do."

Haas succeeded in repairing the Dane's car in time for the race, but the mishap meant a lowly P19 launch off the grid, and a slightly better 17th-place finish at the end of the day, although Magnussen ran as high as 11th at one point.

"It just didn’t work out with pitstops and strategy," he explained.

"It wasn’t terrible in terms of tyres and pace, not like previous races where we’ve been hopeless because of whatever…

“If we hooked everything up, and I started where I should have and got as good a start as I did, then I would have been in a much better position.

"And probably with a better pitstop and strategy we could have scored points. So, it’s frustrating."

Like a few of his colleagues, Magnussen believed the weekend's altered schedule in Suzuka - with Saturday's running scrapped altogether because of Typhoon Hagibis - had perhaps provided F1 with some food for thought.

"It’s been a really fun day, very interesting and very intense," he said. "I’d love to see this be the way forward in the future."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Haas unleashes Godzilla again for Austin home race

Haas is bringing its favorite monster back to Formula 1 – and this time, Godzilla…

7 hours ago

Verstappen hopes to squeeze Spa 24 Hours into F1 calendar

Max Verstappen is already plotting his next escape into endurance racing, with the Red Bull…

9 hours ago

Russell’s Singapore triumph carried a hidden burden

George Russell has revealed that his triumphant 2025 Singapore Grand Prix weekend was overshadowed by…

10 hours ago

Fornaroli handed McLaren F1 and WEC duties for 2027

Leonardo Fornaroli has been handed a double assignment by McLaren for 2027, with the Italian…

11 hours ago

Reign in Spain: Toyota seals WEC manufacturers’ title

Under the unpredictable, shifting skies of Catalonia, Toyota Gazoo Racing delivered a masterclass to storm…

13 hours ago

Verstappen hits back at ex-F1 drivers over regulation criticism

Max Verstappen has little patience for critics who question his outspoken views on Formula 1’s…

14 hours ago