Magnussen: Sprint stages are interesting

The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix will be held in a sprint weekend format. Haas driver Kevin Magnussen says sprinting makes races more interesting.

Question: How different is your preparation for the race at Spa now compared to the preparation for the first race at this Belgian circuit?
Kevin MagnussenA: I can’t remember when I first raced at Spa, but it was many years before Formula 1. I may have raced in Formula 3 or something like that. Of course, it is much more interesting to fly behind the wheel of Formula 1 in Spa, because this is one of the circuits where you can feel all the characteristics of the car.

The track is one of the favorites on the calendar, very fast with legendary corners. In addition, many Danish fans come to this race.

As for the preparation, it’s no different than preparing for any other circuit, you just expect a little more from this stage than usual.

Question: What do you expect from this weekend, which will be held in sprint form?
Kevin Magnussen: It doesn’t matter if it’s a sprint or a regular weekend – preparing for the stage is no different. During the stage itself there are minor differences as we only have one practice session and then qualifying follows immediately, so there isn’t much opportunity to change the settings due to the “closed park” mode. I think these weekends are more interesting because there are more events on track and the pressure is a bit higher.

Q: How do you plan to spend your summer vacation?
Kevin Magnussen: I was lucky enough to be home when Agnes, our second daughter, was born. My wife was due to give birth in the middle of the summer holidays, but it all happened a little earlier. I was a little worried that she was going to give birth while I was at the races, so now I’m really glad I was with her.

I am looking forward to the summer holidays as I can spend more time with my family and relax for the second half of the season.