Haas’ Magnussen Struggles to Match Hulkenberg’s Pace as Pressure Mounts
Formula 1 today – Haas F1 Team’s 2024 season has been a mystery, with Nico Hulkenberg consistently outperforming his teammate Kevin Magnussen. While Hulkenberg has been able to translate his qualifying pace into points, Magnussen has struggled to keep up.
The German driver’s qualifying prowess has been a key factor in Haas’ improved performance this year, with the team focusing on tyre management during their Bahrain test programme. This approach has paid off, with Haas now in the fight for minor points placings.
Magnussen, on the other hand, has not been able to tap into the same vein of qualifying pace as Hulkenberg. Despite his defensive efforts, his races have been compromised due to poor qualifying results. The Dane has admitted that this year’s opening third has been the “most frustrating” start to a year he’s ever experienced.
Hulkenberg’s consistency has put pressure on Magnussen, who is struggling to find the right balance. His qualifying results have been inconsistent, and he has been eliminated in Q1 four times this season. Magnussen refuses to blame bad luck, acknowledging that there is something within himself holding him back.
A closer look at the differences between the two Haas drivers reveals that Hulkenberg’s approach to qualifying is more methodical. In China and Miami, Hulkenberg made it to Q3 while Magnussen toiled in Q1. Hulkenberg’s throttle modulation and gear selection have given him an edge over his teammate.
Magnussen’s fearlessness has sometimes come back to bite him, with isolated errors costing him time. If he can put it all together, he has the potential to match Hulkenberg’s pace. However, with the wild driver market intensifying, Magnussen is under pressure to deliver.
Haas Considering Driver Changes for 2025
Haas is reportedly considering Esteban Ocon for a seat in 2025, while Oliver Bearman is likely to take over Hulkenberg’s seat next year. Magnussen needs to make a breakthrough soon to demonstrate his worth to the team. The upcoming Canadian Grand Prix presents an opportunity for him to turn things around.
Magnussen has continuity on his side, something that Haas has valued in the past. If he can start matching Hulkenberg’s qualifying pace and consistently score points, he’ll put himself in a much stronger position for 2025. Failure to do so may mean looking elsewhere to continue his racing career.
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