Kevin Magnussen reflects on the “true privilege” of his Formula 1 career
Haas narrowly lost 6th place in the constructors' standings to Alpine, who are in great shape, but Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg left Abu Dhabi satisfied with the team's consistent performance in 2024, even though the final did not go as planned.
For Kevin Magnussen, the race started spectacularly, moving from 14th to 7th place in the first lap. However, a slow pit stop on the 12th lap caused him to drop back in the standings. He was still in contention to score points before a collision with Valtteri Bottas. The Sauber driver locked up his brakes approaching turn 7, sending the Dane into a spin, and forcing him to return to the pits for a tire change.
Kevin Magnussen crossed the finish line in last position among the classified drivers, in 16th place. However, a stint on soft tires allowed him to set the fastest lap of the race at the Yas Marina circuit, with nearly two seconds ahead. A great way to end his last weekend in Formula 1.
« I think they just wanted to let me feel the car one last time with little fuel and new tires,” Magnussen explained about this best lap. « Formula 1 cars in these conditions, with little fuel and new tires, it’s phenomenal.
« As we were already out of the race, I suppose they just wanted to please me in the end, and I appreciated it. »
The 32-year-old Dane had announced before the 2024 championship final, that he would join BMW as an official driver, thus ending his F1 career. A career that has seen him drive for McLaren, Renault, and Haas.
He said: At the end of the day, you have to look at things with perspective and tell yourself, okay, I wanted to win, I wanted to be a champion. I didn’t succeed, but on the other hand, I was a little boy dreaming of Formula 1 25 years ago, and I managed to spend 10 years in this sport I desperately wanted to take part in. It has been a real privilege.
Haas will welcome a new duo of drivers with Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman next season.
