Eyes already on 2024: 'Then I'm going to be stronger than ever'

Completely through no fault of his own, Kevin Magnussen ended the Mexican Grand Prix in the wall. The Dane suffered some pain in his hand after the crash but has since recovered. Next weekend the Brazilian Grand Prix awaits for him and his team Haas F1. Magnussen has particularly fond memories of the Interlagos circuit, where he very surprisingly took pole in 2022.

Looking back on that day - on which Magnussen had some luck as well as excellently taking advantage of the treacherous conditions - the Dane's eyes are glittering. "It was a fantastic moment for me and the team last year, but in Formula 1 you quickly move on from things like that and focus on the next thing you want to achieve. At the moment, we’re in a very different situation. It’s going to be nice coming back to Sao Paulo though, it’s a classic on the calendar and the memory from last year will make it a nice feeling."

Magnussen had a difficult season with Haas

The '23 season did not turn out to be what he expected for Magnussen. While his teammate Nico Hulkenberg collected nine points, the Dane did not get beyond a paltry three points. Of the drivers driving the entire F1 season, only Logan took fewer points. Next season, with an otherwise updated Haas, Magnussen wants more than a supporting role.

Preparations for the 2024 season have actually already started for Magnussen, he says: "In an overseas triple-header, it’s very difficult to keep up your training routine between the races, like you would in the offseason. It’s just not possible, so overall fitness drops I think but then you drive a lot, so your neck is strong and your driving fitness picks up, but it’s certainly a challenging time fitness-wise because of the schedule."

"I like off-season training, over the last couple of years I’ve really tried to up my game and this off-season I’m planning together with my physio an even more intense program. I think I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and I’m sure next year I’ll be the strongest I’ve ever been, again," Magnussen said.