Kevin Magnussen looks ahead.
Kevin Magnussen believes Formula 1 can take a page out of IndyCar’s book and how they go racing as he stares at the prospect of a race ban.
Magnussen is currently in a precarious situation at Imola, as he holds 10 FIA super licence points. He is well aware that only two more points will result in a one-race suspension. The Danish driver accumulated these points through contentious defensive maneuvers in Jeddah and Miami, all done with the intention of aiding his Haas teammate, Nico Hulkenberg.
Kevin Magnussen calls for FIA orders to return positions
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
Magnussen acknowledges that he must exercise utmost caution going forward, as all his penalty points will remain on his super licence for the upcoming season. However, he highlights the urgency for a review of the penalty points system, particularly in light of three points acquired due to frequent track departures and subsequent advantages gained in Miami.
When asked by various media outlets, such as PlanetF1.com, if he plans on being more careful at Imola, Magnussen responded, “Considering that the next consequence would be a race ban, I believe I will have to adopt a more cautious approach.”
However, I believe that these instances, in which I have had to fulfill the supportive role for my teammate, have proven to be beneficial and valuable for us.
“I have some reservations about the existing rules and their potential implications. Ideally, I would prefer if it were completely impossible. However, it is important to acknowledge that I am not the one who created these rules.”
“I believe there are matters that need to be examined in that situation. As for me, I currently have 10 points, so I must exercise caution to avoid receiving a race ban.”
“I find it questionable that I could potentially face a race ban simply for crossing some white lines on a stretch of pavement. However, since these are the established rules, I reluctantly acknowledge and accept them.”
“However, I believe there is still scope for improvement in this regard, not just in relation to the scoring system. With the increase in the number of races compared to when they were initially introduced, it seems possible to receive a race ban for a trivial matter.”
Magnussen took a break from Formula 1 and decided to participate in IndyCar alongside Arrow McLaren SP. However, his primary racing involvement in the United States was predominantly in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Magnussen would commend the straightforwardness of the IndyCar regulations, which resulted in exciting races. He would suggest that the FIA should enforce similar rules regarding drivers leaving the track and gaining advantages, by urging them to regain their position or face severe consequences.
On Friday, team managers are scheduled to hold a meeting with the FIA to address the tactics employed by Magnussen in Jeddah and Miami. Potential measures, such as imposing stricter penalties on repeat offenders during races, will be discussed.
Magnussen suggested that it would be ideal for the FIA to instruct us to return positions and impose severe consequences if we fail to comply. He emphasized the need for strict enforcement to ensure compliance.
“I believe the current system is overly complicated and has significant consequences. It is important to allow some flexibility to exceed limits and then recover from it. However, I find it problematic that if an advantage is considered unfair, it results in a drive-through penalty.”
“I have participated in IndyCar racing and I absolutely enjoyed their racing style. The rules are remarkably concise and straightforward, making the overall experience truly fantastic.”
“The competition must be exceptional among the top 20 drivers worldwide, with Formula 1 drivers not only demonstrating their incredible speed, but also their exceptional racing skills. Showcasing their prowess is an integral aspect that cannot be overlooked.”
“We all started our racing careers in karting, competing against each other and learning the art of racing. Personally, I believe that some of the rules and regulations introduced this year go against the instinctive racing nature that we all developed from our early days as young kids.”
“I understand that the issue of going off and holding people back, for which I received penalties, is separate. However, I believe this can be resolved by instructing us to return positions and imposing severe penalties for non-compliance.”
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In addition, Magnussen believes that the tracks Formula 1 typically races on pose a concern regarding the amount of run-off area available. To tackle the issue of track limit violations, Imola has taken steps to include extra gravel traps.
Magnussen went on to say, “Tracks, as you mentioned, I believe they also play a significant role.”
As previously mentioned, I had the opportunity to compete in both IndyCar and sportscar racing in America. Throughout the entire championship, one aspect that truly caught my attention was the remarkable contrast between the tracks in America and those in Formula 1.
The cars over there, including the sportscars we rode in, are also low. I don’t find much of a difference between there and here, but in Formula 1, we seem to be very attuned to track-related matters.
“I have a preference for the rough tracks, as they appeal to me more. Additionally, when it comes to racing, tracks that incorporate grass or gravel on the outer edges act as natural boundaries that help resolve certain situations. Therefore, I believe that the overall design of Formula 1 tracks is also a matter of concern.”
With his team-mate Nico Hulkenberg set to join Sauber, Magnussen is sprinting to secure his future at Haas for the next season.
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