Magnussen: I’m part of the problem, just like everyone else at Haas

Haas F1’s results against the backdrop of a lack of progress are one of the biggest disappointments of the past season. The American team finished the championship in last place in the Constructors’ Championship for the second time in three years, and it is clear that the drivers are summarizing the year’s results without much optimism.

Until the fall, the team almost did not upgrade the VF-23 chassis, as the results of aerodynamic studies did not promise a significant increase in speed. Haas quickly realized that the original concept of the 2023 project was not effective and that it was necessary to change the approach. An attempt at this was also unsuccessful, as the fairly large complex of technical innovations that the team presented at the home stage in Austin did not meet the expectations that came with it.

For example, Nico Hulkenberg even chose to return to the previous chassis specification, and only Kevin Magnussen spent the final stages of the season on the upgraded VF-23. In the American Grand Prix he took 14th place, lost a lap to the leader, retired in Mexico City and Sao Paulo due to accidents, finished 13th in Las Vegas, last in Abu Dhabi and again within a lap of the leader.

After the end of the season, Kevin admitted that if he had his way, he would also return to the previous version of the chassis.

“I would prefer to do one race with the new car and then return to the old version, but that was impossible,” The Race quoted the Dane. – It’s just that the car is faster in the previous specification, but I think I did what the team needed. But I was happy I did it and now I’m going to prepare for next year.

However, the driving experience of the new version is still better. I’ve had problems with my old one all year. And when I got behind the wheel of a new car, it became much easier for me. Compared to Niko I was more satisfied with it, after which he went back to the old specification, and I continued working with the new one – just to gather more information.

This is a team sport, we are all involved and we are all responsible for the results, so I don’t want to pretend that I am standing on the sidelines and playing a sacred cow. If anything, I’m part of the problem, just like every other Haas employee. But we must stick together, as we have done in the past.

The team has shown good potential for a long time, but it is time to show more consistent results as I believe we have both the talent and capabilities to do so. I want to help the team move forward and show what we are capable of. It may be hard to believe, but we didn’t expect things to get better in 2023. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for unexpected developments, but everything went as we expected.

But all this has taught us a lot. By the way, Niko and I also noticed certain positive aspects, for example the car was distinguished by the stable behavior of the front. Overall, she is a great team to work with and we hope to take a big step forward next year.”

Of course, Kevin knows better than most how things actually stand at Haas, and if there is at least some optimism in his words, then at least he is entitled to such assessments, even if it is something like wishful thinking. Next year it will become clear to what extent these estimates are justified.