Kevin Magnussen praises Haas' strategic choice

Everything was decided before the start, in the formation lap of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Kevin Magnussen, then fitted with rain tires, and Romain Grosjean with a Haas equipped with intermediate rubber, see that the track dries very quickly. The stable Haas then took the gamble of calling the two cars back to the pits even before both had gone out, to put on slicks.

Starting last, the drivers find themselves third and fourth after a few laps, when the others refuel. An unexpected situation. “The team made a great choice to switch to slicks, argues Magnussen.

It was really good of them to give me this confidence, to launch myself into difficult conditions on dry tires. It was risky, but it worked. The pace was good and starting from the pits I found myself third. I knew it wouldn't be our final place but it was great to be there. »

The Danish driver then surprised with his resistance, facing cars that were usually much faster, before stabilizing in ninth position. “We increased our lead on a Ferrari (Charles Leclerc) and we kept the McLaren (Carlos Sainz) from a distance. This shows what a good car we had. »

A pending result

Romain Grosjean was less successful, with a final fifteenth place. " Unfortunately, Alexander albon attempted a late attack and damaged my front wing, indicates the French. I had a lot less performance afterwards. »

Before popping the champagne, the members of the team must still wait for the stewards' decision. Haas is in fact under investigation for violation of sporting regulations during the training lap, around Article 27.1: “The driver must drive his car alone and without assistance”. Clearly, the formation lap will necessarily be the key to the final result of the team's race.

Discover the report and analysis of the Hungarian Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent in Budapest, in issue 2270 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.