F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Magnussen: Hulkenberg able to 'drive around' Haas car’s issues

Kevin Magnussen says his deficit to Haas teammate Nico Hulkenberg in qualifying is mainly due to the German driver’s ability to drive around the issues impacting the team’s VF-23.

Magnussen and Hulkenberg have both delivered a pair of top-ten finishes to their team in twelve races, the Danish driver scoring a point in Saudi Arabia and in Miami.

On occasion, both drivers have showcased in qualifying the potential of Haas' VF-23. But Hulkenberg has generally fared better than the Dane on Saturdays.

On Sundays however, Haas chronic tyre degradation issues have too often conspired to undermine the team’s efforts on race day.

Magnussen reckons that his teammate has a better grasp on the specific handling characteristics of the US outfit’s contender.

“In terms of the pace, it’s not like I have this problem like: ‘I just can’t drive this car’,” Magnussen explained, quoted by RacingNews365.

“On Sunday, it’s always fine. It’s just [that] one lap [in qualifying], sometimes I struggle to get it out [of the car].

“I have had good qualifyings this year. I qualified P4 in Miami so it’s not like I can’t do it ever.

“But he seems to be able to drive around the issue a little more often, but I think I’m turning it around.”

Over the summer, Haas’ drivers and engineers have spared no effort to try and solve the tyre degradation conundrum that has weighed so heavily on the team’s performance in race trim.

As Haas continues to work hard to iron out its cars’ problem, Magnussen believes that the team’s ability to rely on Hulkenberg’s vast experience – and his own – is a big asset.

“It’s good to have someone with that much experience when you’re trying to develop a car,” he said.

“When you have an issue and you need a new direction, it’s good to have all this experience in the team.”

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

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

51 mins ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

2 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

17 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

18 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

20 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

21 hours ago