Angry Magnussen says rivals failed to back off for yellow flags in Q1

©Haas

Kevin Magnussen lashed out at his rivals who failed to back off for yellow flags during the first segment of qualifying for the Turkish GP, the Dane calling the situation "dangerous".

Magnussen missed the cut at the end of Q1, an initial session interrupted by the rain and then halted a second time for a spin by Romain Grosjean.

The segment resumed with just a few minutes left on the clock but the yellow flags were deployed following a spin at Turn 3 by AlphaTauir's Daniil Kvyat.

However, a multitude of drivers improved their lap times under the yellow regime, while a compliant Magnussen aborted his lap only to conclude the segment 16th, an outcome that upset the Haas driver.

"I respected the rules, and I backed off and aborted the lap," Magnussen said.

"There was definitely a yellow flag. Someone is in the gravel in this corner in the outside, and the rules say you have to abort the lap, not just lift off or anything - it says abort the lap, which I did.

"I was three seconds slower than my best lap, and the track was better, so everyone else pushed and improved their laps, and I’m now knocked out of Q1. At the time I was P7. I'm pissed off!"

2020 Turkish Grand Prix - Qualifying results

The stewards subsequently communicated that all lap times set under the yellow flags would be investigated after qualifying. But that was little consolation for Magnussen.

"These guys will get three or five positions," Magnussen said. "That’s not going to make a difference for me.

"Next time there’s this situation, I’m going to have to push, because I’d rather get three positions from P7 than now P-whatever I am."

Asked if he would take the matter up with FIA race director Michael Masi, Magnussen said: "Of course, because if this is the norm, if this is normal, then I can’t justify backing off.

"I’d rather get through and get a penalty after. So you know, it’s dangerous."

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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.