The relationship between Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen has not always been good. In 2017, the two men had a disagreement in Hungary after an incident on the track, and the Dane distinguished himself by the phrase “Suck my balls, honey”, which became famous for his violence towards his rival at the time.
When Haas F1 announced that the two drivers would team up in 2023, some observers wondered whether the hatchet could be buried. And in reality, it's more than that, as Hülkenberg and Magnussen developed a true friendship while teaming up.
“It’s quite a turnaround, huh? That’s life.” Hulkenberg said. “I think our relationship really started in 2022 when I replaced Seb [Vettel] at Aston and, from 2023, there has never been any friction.”
“I think we were really on the same frequency, very similar points in life on the private side, but also on the outlook on life and how we have to work for the team. There was a common interest in the team and it was very pleasant.
“I know the numbers can make it seem a bit one-sided, but I never had that feeling. I always thought it's the little things that make the difference. He really helped me a lot. pushed it, and I pushed it, and it was very nice and very good. I don't know if it's because of the similarities.”
“I think it's more the characters and the human side. We're both a little more mature, especially me, and I think we get along well. We know we work for the team, but there has a very good harmony and relationship that has developed over the past two years.”
Magnussen thinks the fact that they were older made the difference in them not having any prejudice: “I think it's partly due to our age. I think you become more mature, you settle down and you're less insecure.”
“I think it helps a lot and Nico was surprised that he could lay his cards on the table. He didn't need to worry. I'm an honest man and I think we worked as a team. “
The Danish driver is also aware that their common goal for Haas has made people forget very old tensions: “What is the objective? I think it is to finish as high as possible in the constructors' standings. I think that is the most important objective in our situation.”
“Who cares about our place in the Drivers' Championship? I don't even know where I am. I don't remember my best position in the Drivers' Championship. It doesn't matter. If you don't fight not for victory, who cares?”
“So I think it's very important where you finish in the constructors' championship, because it gives you a huge amount of resources and it means a lot to a lot of people in the team. But it's something something measurable.”
“It's something that can motivate you. I think we both had that mindset and so we worked together on the track, we worked together off the track and we really sparked the “interest of the team at the beginning.”
The Hülkenberg and Magnussen children were seen playing together around the Haas garages in Abu Dhabi, as Magnussen's entire family, his wife and two daughters, came to support him at his final Grand Prix.
“They're really good friends, you know? It's unimaginable how much Nico and I's relationship has grown over the years, and it's fantastic to have both of our families here. There have been a real connection between our families, and it was really nice to share this moment with my daughter and my wife on the grid.
“We were sitting there watching, my daughter won't remember it when she grows up, but I will definitely remember it for the rest of my life, sitting there and seeing that she was excited and proud to be there on the grid. She loves being here. She loves supporting her dad, and that means a lot.”
