On track: Kevin Magnussen is confident in Haas’ new direction.
On track: Kevin Magnussen confident in new direction for Haas.
Kevin Magnussen has expressed confidence that Haas is on track for the upcoming F1 season after the team explored its options with two different packages for the end of 2023.
In an effort to improve the discipline, Haas introduced a major upgrade package originally used on the car by Magnussen and teammate Nico Hulkenberg at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. However, for the final round in Las Vegas, Hulkenberg chose to return to the previous specification, explaining that the new parts “were not a necessary step after a major upgrade”.
Meanwhile, Magnussen continued the race with an update, explaining what the team has learned and the direction it will take for the season finale in Abu Dhabi in 2024. Magnussen and Hulkenberg have different packages due to the end of the 2023 season.
“I think the updated car fits into our plans for next year. The concept is similar to what we have in mind for next year,” Magnussen said.
“On paper it doesn’t have much downforce and it’s not fast, but it’s nice to drive, lighter and more balanced. So with our new specs, we don’t see them taking a step back despite the lower downforce.
“I think it’s something we need to develop in that direction as we go through the winter. “It’s been a difficult year, so hopefully next year we can go one step further,” he said.
Despite the renewal, Haas finished the season 10th and last in the standings.
Magnussen was asked to pick a highlight from last season, which the Dane admitted was few and far between. Haas scored just 12 points and finished last in the constructors’ standings. “Unfortunately, there were no notable setbacks,” said Magnussen, who finished 10th three times, while Hülkenberg finished seventh.
“I think the race in which I got the points was very good. There were also races where I was really happy with P10, which shows what kind of season we had. “But yes. Any race where the points were on the table was a highlight. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get any better than this.”
