Komatsu: Kevin returns to the wheel and can perform with confidence

In Singapore, Kevin Magnussen returns to the wheel of the Haas car after missing the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, behind the wheel of which Oliver Berman earned a bonus point for 10th place last weekend, allowing the American team to extend the gap to RB in the Constructors’ Championship to five points.

Ayo KomatsuTeam Principal: “Singapore’s Marina Bay is another challenging city circuit and I expect Kevin to be able to perform with confidence when he gets back behind the wheel, as he usually races very well on these types of circuits.

He likes this kind of challenge. Last year we didn’t have a very competitive car, but he finished in the top ten, so I want to see what he can do now. Speaking of Niko, the Marina Bay configuration suits him better than the Baku circuit, so he should show good pace as well.

The Singapore circuit requires a different approach: since Baku has long straights, you have to run the cars on a low, closer to average, downforce level there, but on Marina Bay you need a stronger downforce. Overall, this circuit has different characteristics and I am already looking forward to the next race.”

Nico Hulkenberg: “The weekend in Singapore is just fantastic and for me it is one of the highlights of the season. I love both the atmosphere and the energy – everything is great there in this respect.

This is the first ever night race in Formula 1 and the attitude towards it is always special. I enjoy the challenges I have to overcome there, including the high physical demands, and I have a very fighting spirit.

This weekend I will change the design of my helmet: in the spotlights it has to look good, just like our team cars. Of course, Kevin and I will take ice baths again this weekend, so we have to bring some special equipment!”

Kevin Magnussen: “The Singapore circuit is one of my favourites. I generally love city circuits, and the physical activity at Marine Bay is one of the highest of the season, and only Qatar can compare.

This is due to the heat, humidity, the length of the race and the inability to catch your breath during the lap as the turns come together.

“I think our car should be able to handle the Singapore circuit well; the speeds there are not that great, so we should be quite competitive. In the past, the races in Singapore have had a very interesting scenario more than once, and in 2023 I finished in the top ten there – I hope I can repeat that.”