F1: Magnussen anticipates compelling qualifying in Hungary

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s Kevin Magnussen expects qualifying to be especially Compelling at the Hungarian Grand Prix, as the “twisty” Hungaroring tends to prevent large amounts of overtaking.

Round 12 of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship takes MoneyGram Haas F1 Team to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix. A great mix of cityscapes, a lively atmosphere and a circuit that resembles a karting track. Is this a location you’re excited to race at?

“I think the Hungarian Grand Prix is always a good one, the circuit is a tight, little twisty track. It’s kind of difficult for overtaking, but it puts more emphasis on qualifying, so Saturday is very exciting in Hungary always. Usually, not this year, it’s the last race before the summer break, so there is also that to look forward to. I’m looking forward to going there and hopefully we can be competitive.”

The Hungaroring is considered to have ‘Monaco levels of downforce’. Guenther has openly said Nico and you are active stakeholders in helping address and solve the issues facing the VF-23. Is it encouraging from your perspective to be able to have your say and work as a team to improve performance?

“I think we’re obviously facing some issues getting competitive on Sunday. We can often be competitive on Saturday in qualifying when we have to do just one lap on the tires on low fuel, but it’s a different story on Sunday. We’re working very hard to investigate what the cause is and come up with solutions. It’s a collective effort, and everyone is working super hard. I think with all the talent we have in the team, I’m very confident we can solve the issues.”

We’re entering the third of four races in the month of July. Is this something you relish as a driver, being able to get into a good rhythm with the team and the car, or being so close to the summer break are you already planning ahead to the second half of the season?

“It’s a busy part of the year, this European season. It feels a lot less busy because of the short flights and lack of jet lag, and I get an opportunity to go home between the races even when they are back-to-back. It’s cool though because it’s all the tracks that we know very well, all the European tracks that most of the drivers know from their junior careers, a very familiar environment. I’m not really planning ahead too much at the minute, I’m just trying to get the most out of these races right now.”