Haas F1 Team, Nico and K-Mag look forward to getting back to racing

Monday, 19 August 2024 at 12:56

looking forward to getting back to racing haas magnussen

The Haas F1 Team returns from the summer recess P7 in the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, with 27 points, just seven points behind sixth-placed VCARB, ahead of this weekend's 2024 Dutch Grand Prix.

Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, both with prior Formula 1 experience at Circuit Zandvoort, are eager to start their final chapters with Haas on a strong footing, with the American team riding high ahead of Round 15 of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship.

Ayao Komatsu recently reflected on the impressive turnaround by his team since the tumultuous Guenther Steiner era when the team was at its lowest in both performance and, apparently, morale.

That's all in the past now, and Komatsu is looking forward to the next ten races: "Zandvoort is an interesting circuit with a lot of undulation and cambers, and the last corner is pretty interesting. It has a mixture of low- to medium-speed corners, it’s a high-downforce circuit, and overtaking is pretty difficult.

"The atmosphere in Zandvoort is very unique; it’s more like a football stadium than a Formula 1 event, especially before the race on the grid with the music and the Orange Army. It’s quite special and very unusual if you’re only used to Formula 1 events. I enjoy going there because of the unique atmosphere."

"I’m looking forward to getting back to racing," added the Haas F1 Team boss, who earlier revealed his plan of action now that stability and confidence have returned to what was once a backmarker team.

Both drivers are entering their final ten race weekends with Haas

Steiner: Pretty happy with the drivers we have got zandvoort preview magnussen hulkenberg

Magnussen and Hulkenberg are fired up for a final push with the team that has provided them with longevity, despite their unremarkable records in the top tier of motorsport.

Sauber Stake F1 Team (aka Audi) bound Hulkenberg said of the forthcoming race in Holland: “Zandvoort is a track I have a lot of history with, having done many races over my junior career there; Formula BMW, A1 Grand Prix, F3 - some really good memories, actually.

"It’s a very familiar place from back in the day, also because where I’m from is very close to the Dutch border. It’s a special feeling and race for me. It’s a great place with a great vibe, the Dutch Orange Army is out in force, and it’s one big party.

"It’s a short, old-school track - narrow and short in length. It’s quite tricky to overtake, and it feels quite small for the big modern Formula 1 cars, but it’s still fun and challenging to get around," Hulkenberg added. Good to know (again)!

K-Mag enjoys "crazy" atmosphere at Zandvoort

AUTóDROMO JOSé CARLOS PACE, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 11: Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team celebrates pole position during the São Paulo GP at Autódromo José Carlos Pace on Friday November 11, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Sutton / LAT Images)

Magnussen had his own 'unique' observation: “The Dutch Grand Prix has a crazy atmosphere with the Orange Army, which makes up about 99 percent of the fans there. It’s a very cool track for Formula 1 as it’s super old-school and hasn’t changed much since the seventies.

"I enjoy racing at Zandvoort as it’s a driver’s track. When you push there, you really are pushing the limits. I’ll be rested and ready to charge for the second half of the season," Magnussen said.

It would be a fanciful fairytale finale for the pair at Haas if Hulkenberg could score his first podium either at the Dutch GP this weekend, his 217th GP start, or in one of the remaining ten races before he departs.

Similarly, it’s wishful thinking that Magnussen might add to his one F1 career podium in 117 starts. However, on the from shown at Red Bull Ring and Silverstone, solid points are certainly within reach in the ultra-tight midfield battle.

With Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren leading the pack, at least Haas isn’t anchored to P10 as they were last year and where they finished before Komatsu took over. He has steadied the ship for Gene Haas.