Magnussen looks back: 'Pole position real highlight'

Magnussen's return to Formula 1 was anything but expected. The Dane left the sport at the end of 2020, seemingly for good. But after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Haas severed all ties with Nikita Mazepin and Magnussen was rushed back to the American racing stable. The pained Haas could not give Magnussen a car that would allow him to compete at the front, but despite this, Magnussen managed to score six points and finished the season in a respectable 13th place.

Magnussen was asked how he will start the new season after the relatively positive 2022 season. "My motivation is higher than ever," the Dane answered. "Last year was exciting because of many things. I was surprised with coming back into Formula 1, back with the team, and then we had a super exciting year with some really high highs, of course topped by the pole position in Brazil. Something like that makes you want more. The whole team is feeling that buzz coming into this new season."

'Ticking off those boxes, that's the dream'

That pole position in Brazil was an unprecedented highlight for Magnussen. And although he 'only' got to take the first starting spot during the sprint race and not the full race, it was still a strong performance from the Dane.

"It’s one of those big things that you can achieve in Formula 1," Magnussen explained. "Getting to F1 is one thing, you want to get to the podium, you want to get fastest lap, you want to get pole, a race win, and then a championship. That’s what you’re there to achieve. And of course you want big numbers in all of those. Just ticking off those boxes is kind of what the dream is."

"Pole position was ticked off last year, so now I need a race win and then a championship," Magnussen laughed. "Easy as that."