After being sidelined by illness at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Kevin Magnussen is determined to end his Formula 1 career on a high note, propelled by new momentum that has come just as Haas introduced an update. key aerodynamic day in Austin. With his departure imminent to make way for rising star Ollie Bearman, the 32-year-old Danish driver is determined to make his final races count.
Magnussen's career was a series of ups and downs, spanning nine seasons marked by two periods of absence. Yet when in sync with his car, Magnussen showed fearsome speed and resilience. His recent performances at the United States and Mexican Grands Prix have highlighted this potential, as he has become the fastest Haas driver, even achieving a creditable seventh place in Mexico—a rare result at the top of the field. of peloton which underlined his renewed confidence.
The Brake Repair That Changed Magnussen's Game
The key to Magnussen's resurgence? An improvement to Haas' braking system. For most of the season, he struggled with braking inconsistencies, experiencing a “lag” that disrupted his confidence entering corners. “When I hit the brakes, there's a bit of a delay,” he explained. “It confuses you for the turn when you already feel uncomfortable with the brakes.”
For Magnussen, braking isn't just about slowing down; this is essential for establishing the balance of your car before a turn. Haas' braking adjustments gave him a consistent braking “bite,” allowing him to tackle corners with newfound control and precision.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained: “Before, when he pressed the brakes, he didn't know when he was going to reach maximum deceleration. Imagine that as a pilot—it’s horrible.” These adjustments, a mix of system and temperature improvements, were instrumental for Magnussen. Although teammate Nico Hulkenberg experienced similar issues at times, he was not impacted to the same extent, showing how braking preferences vary from driver to driver.
Latest races and future prospects with Haas
Magnussen's renewed confidence and improvements in Austin allow him to aim high in his final races. While this is unlikely to change his F1 fortunes, a strong performance could help Haas in their fight for sixth place in the Constructors' Championship.
Looking to the future, Haas is open to keeping Magnussen in its ranks, possibly in a developmental role. He could contribute to Haas's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program or help develop its driver loop simulator, drawing on his experience as a top simulator driver during his days at McLaren.
With just three races remaining, Magnussen is embracing every lap as he prepares for what could be his F1 swan song. Thanks to a crucial brake repair, he's better equipped than ever to make these final races memorable and leave a lasting mark on Haas' legacy.
