Magnussen returns to his comments advocating risk

Kevin Magnussen asserts himself as an old-fashioned racing fan. The Dane has always displayed his taste for the risk and danger of competition, notably by opposing Halo. An interview with the pilot Haas à Reuters agency carried out before the Azerbaijan GP sparked controversy.

The former resident of McLaren et Renault had notably expressed his nostalgia for the old Grands Prix where the risk taken by the drivers was much greater.

“I don’t compromise. I give everything. I'm ready to die behind the wheel. I'm willing to put my life on the line, absolutely. I love my family and enjoy many things in life, but there's nothing else that matters other than the race when I put my helmet on. For me, at this moment, all that matters is F1 », the Dane explained.

These words resurfaced after Baku where the Dane put his ideas into practice, notably by defending aggressively against Pierre Gasly, not hesitating to crush the pilot Toro Rosso against the wall at the cost of contact in the middle of a straight line. The 2016 GP2 Series champion will call his opponent “the most dangerous pilot (he has) faced”.

Kevin Magnussen subsequently clarified his comments by publishing a message on Twitter.

https://t.co/tE6tRw6VYS

So I feel like this one needs a little clarification: pic.twitter.com/grGW4jbpeX

- Kevin Magnussen (@KevinMagnussen) 2th May 2018

“1. The interview was carried out before the race in Baku and is in no way linked to the incident with Pierre during the race. I did not block Pierre on purpose and I apologized to him several times after the incident. »

“2. I don't want to die in a race car. I expressed my desire to give absolutely everything to achieve success. This success clearly does not imply for me having accidents or penalties, but finishing the races in the best possible position. »

“3. I am living my childhood dream of racing in F1 and I have dedicated my entire life to achieving this dream. It is therefore natural for me to give absolutely everything I have to achieve success in racing. The day I am no longer able to do so, I will immediately abandon the competition. »

Kevin Magnussen occupies 12th place in the Championship. His teammate Romain Grosjean still aiming for his first Top 10 this season.

Discover the analysis of the Azerbaijan GP carried out by our special correspondents in AUTO issue 2163hebdo, available now in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.