Kevin Magnussen: "it’s important to focus on what matters"
Kevin Magnussen was the sensation of qualifying on Friday. He got the best out of his mediocre single-seater and took pole in a rain-soaked qualifying session. The Danish driver started from the front row for the first time in his career in the sprint race. He nevertheless gave priority to his goal of finishing in the points.
The qualifying session of the Brazilian Grand Prix will remain in history. Kevin Magnussen’s achievement and that of Haas were praised by the entire paddock. On the starting grid this Saturday, the Danish driver was less euphoric and already focused on his goal for the day: finishing in the points.
If this task seems simple when starting from pole, one must take into account Kevin Magnussen’s situation. Indeed, the car he has at his disposal does not have the race pace that those he precedes possess. Therefore, the 24-lap sprint race paradoxically promised to be long for the Danish driver, who would have to resist his opponents in order to successfully achieve his objective.
Magnussen got off to a great start and quickly built a small gap over Max Verstappen before being overtaken by the Dutch driver as well as George Russell in a few laps. He didn’t put up a fight, as his car was unable to compete with those at the front of the pack. His level of focus was such that he didn’t take advantage of his early race lead.
« I forgot to take advantage of it. I was busy with my tires and trying to get into the rhythm, so I didn’t really think about it. I was fighting for seventh or eighth place, around that range, so I was trying to preserve my tires. I knew the guys behind me were going to overtake me, I just tried to lose as little time as possible to finish as high as possible.
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The American team was on the same wavelength as their driver and focused their efforts to obtain this valuable point in 8th place.
They set aside all the euphoria for a moment and focused on what needed to be done. When we leave, we can think back to the joy of qualifying and pole position… but when there is a task to be accomplished like today’s sprint, it is important to focus on what matters.
The flaws of the Haas have not disappeared following the Danish driver’s feat, and he suffered from significant tire degradation after a few laps.
(…) Every time I was being overtaken, during a half-turn, I was damaging my tires a little bit more, so it wasn’t ideal for wear and tear. But maybe it will be better during the race,” concluded the driver.
The Haas driver will be keen to repeat a points finish this Sunday in the race, which he will start from 8th place.
