Abu Dhabi GP: Magnussen 'frustrated' at Haas

Abu Dhabi - Magnussen, who in 2017 moved to Haas from Renault, said all is not lost as he continues to improve as a driver

Kevin Magnussen is Formula One's second-generation driver. His father Jan was F1 racer and four-time Le Mans GT class winner. However, after 100 F1 starts, the 27-year-old has just one podium finish - the one clinched at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix with McLaren, which also made him the first Danish driver to do so. Now with Haas, Magnussen said his childhood dream of securing the title is a distant one.
"First I have to win races," he said during a press conference at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Magnussen said it's been a 'frustrating' season at Haas - the No.9 in Constructor Standings with 29 points.
"We haven't been able to qualify well. We didn't have any strength in the races. It's very frustrating as a driver that you start on a position and try to hang onto to it rather than attacking the guy in the front," Magnussen said as he sits with 20 points.
Magnussen, who in 2017 moved to Haas from Renault, said all is not lost as he continues to improve as a driver. "When things are difficult you learn different things. You approach your problems in a different way. And that gives you strength and experience that you wouldn't necessarily have got if you were cruising in a perfect car."
Magnussen is hopeful for turnaround next year. "We are a very young team. It's only our fourth year. We have to build on experience from this year. And come back stronger next year."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com