Haas Misses Golden Opportunity as Formula 1 Tyre Gamble Falls Flat in Canadian Grand Prix
In a thrilling mixed-conditions encounter at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Haas F1 Team’s Kevin Magnussen believes the team failed to capitalize on a gamble that could have elevated both cars into contention, leaving the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix without points. Magnussen finished 12th, one position behind teammate Nico Hulkenberg.
Haas’s bold strategy to start on Wet compound tyres, contrasting with the Intermediate tyres used by the rest of the field, allowed Magnussen to surge up to fourth place on the soaked track. However, a slow pit stop when switching to Intermediates cost the Dane dearly, and he was adamant that the team got the timing wrong on the crossover.
“We had one very slow pit stop and one medium slow pit stop, and I also think we pitted for Inters off from the full Wets too early,” Magnussen expressed. “It felt like something was coming at the beginning of the race, but there’s nothing to show for it.”
With both Ferrari cars and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez failing to reach the chequered flag, Magnussen lamented Haas missing out on a golden opportunity to score points.
“Yeah, it didn’t feel like we got the best out of it today with all the opportunity that the race offered… we didn’t seem to capitalize on that, so that’s disappointing,” he bemoaned.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu concurred with Magnussen’s comments, admitting the team “wasn’t great operationally” during the race in Montreal.
“It was a pretty frustrating day, unfortunately, as I think we made the right choice putting both drivers on Wet tyres, that was good,” explained Komatsu. “On the last set of tyres for Kevin, the pace came back, so again it’s just frustrating that with certain parts we showed we had the speed and potential, but we just didn’t put it together for the needs of our drivers.”
Finishing just outside of the top 10, Haas will regroup and aim to improve in the next Formula 1 event in Barcelona. As the team reviews its operation, they will be looking to capitalize on future opportunities and make the most of their Formula 1 tyres strategy. With the Formula 1 calendar already in full swing, Haas will be eager to get back on track and make a mark in the competitive world of Formula 1 racing.
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