Kevin Magnussen's gritty battle for points revives Haas in Singapore
- Rob Fleming
- 18 September 2023
Kevin Magnussen marked his triumphant return to the points for Haas by securing a hard-fought 10th place finish at the 2023 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
The Haas team have grappled with a challenging season, where their impressive qualifying performances often failed to translate into race results due to tire degradation issues. However, Magnussen's heroic efforts in Singapore on Sunday provided a glimmer of hope for the struggling team.
Facing tough competition on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Magnussen started from sixth place, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg. Overtaking in Singapore is notoriously tricky, but Magnussen, along with Hulkenberg, remained hopeful of clinching valuable points.
In the end, Magnussen crossed the finish line in 10th place, securing his coveted point and finishing 1.3 seconds ahead of Alexander Albon. His journey to this achievement was not without its challenges, as he recounted, "I'm so pleased with that, it was a hard fight and I don't think I've ever fought so hard for a point."
After a near-disastrous moment at Turn 1/2/3, where he briefly lost control, Magnussen's tire wear became a concern. However, a strategic pit stop for soft tires breathed new life into his race. "We got an opportunity, and we took it," he explained. "We were ready to capitalize, and that is what I always say."
Throughout the 2023 season, Magnussen has grappled with the demands of the VF-23 car, managing to secure only a few points in Saudi Arabia and Miami. However, his Singapore triumph was more than just a confidence boost.
As Magnussen put it, "It's not really about self-confidence... We are competitors, and we want to show what we can do and get something out of it."
Looking ahead, the Japanese Grand Prix is the next challenge on the Formula 1 calendar, scheduled for 24 September.
The iconic Suzuka Circuit has been the stage for the crowning of 13 World Champions since 1987, with its renowned features like the 'S' Curves, the 130R corner, the Degner Curve, and the famous crossover. These elements provide a formidable challenge for drivers, making Suzuka a beloved venue among Formula 1 racers.
