Kevin Magnussen takes a dig at Nico Hulkenberg for criticizing Haas

Kevin Magnussen has not been as criticial as Nico Hulkenberg regarding Haas' performance this season.

Kevin Magnussen takes a dig at Nico Hulkenberg for criticizing Haas

Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg (image via IMAGO)

The Haas F1 team struggled to keep up with rivals over the course of the 2023 F1 season. Nico Hulkenberg did not hesitate to highlight the American team’s lackluster approach in the media. However, Hulkenberg’s teammate Kevin Magnussen rarely spoke out on such issues. Now, Magnussen has revealed the reason for this silence while taking a subtle dig at the German driver.

The Danish driver believed that it would not be beneficial for anyone if he had lashed out at the team in public. Kevin Magnussen affirmed that Formula 1 is a team sport and every member was responsible for Haas’ results including the drivers. Although, the 31-year-old claimed that he wasn’t some sort of a holy cow for not critiquing the team’s shortcomings. Rather, Magnussen admitted that he was part of the problem.

I don't think it helps the team to sell them cheap to you guys. I think it's a team sport. We're all involved. We're all responsible, and I don't want to stand here like some holy cow, I'm a part of this problem if you want I guess, as is every team member in Haas.
Kevin Magnussen said as reported by Motorsport.com

These comments from Kevin Magnussen seem to be directed towards Nico Hulkenberg. As the German driver has been vocal about his frustrations this season. On the other hand, Magnussen reckoned that it was important for the American team to stand together and bounce back after a woeful campaign this season.

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we need to stick together and come back like we have done in the past.

Kevin Magnussen wants Haas to reach its potential

The 31-year-old first raced for Haas in 2017 and was part of the team till the end of 2020. After a brief stint away from F1, Kevin Magnussen was called up to race for the American team just a few days before the 2022 season opener. Subsequently, the Danish driver is no stranger to the squad and knows the team inside out.

Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg at the Saudi Arabian GP, image via Haas F1 team
Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg at the Saudi Arabian GP, image via Haas F1 team

Magnussen reckoned that Haas has good potential in F1 with some highly talented personnel. As such, the 31-year-old hoped that the American team could prove what it’s capable of in the coming months despite facing a seatback this season. The Danish driver claimed that the team would learn from its shortcomings for next season.

This team has shown great potential for a long time, and it's about time we hit our marks on a consistent basis, because I think the talent and the potential in this team is very big.
 So I want to be there to push it forward and show what we can do.

The Haas F1 team finished at the bottom of the standings in 2023. Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen had virtually no chance in most races as they tumbled down the pecking order. As such, there is a lot of work to be done at the American squad before it can truly fight for points on a regular basis. Fans would be looking forward to seeing how Haas performs in 2024.

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