Kevin Magnussen Calls for End to “Stupid Punishments” in F1

Kevin Magnussen has spoken out against the strict penalties in F1, calling for an end to “stupid punishments” as he returns from his suspension.

Magnussen’s collision with Pierre Gasly in the Monza race resulted in a one-race suspension and a total penalty of 12 points over a 12-month period.

In his absence, Haas F1 Team reserve driver Oliver Bearman took his place in Baku, finishing 10th and scoring points.

Magnussen admitted watching the fight in Azerbaijan, but said it gave him a chance to recharge before the remaining seven rounds.

“I had the weekend off,” Magnussen told the media. “It was a little extra weekend to spend with the family. So, in a lot of ways, it was nice to have a little surprise vacation.”

Magnussen has been dogged by a racing ban since the Miami Grand Prix and denies it affected his race at Monza.

“You take your punishment, you come back, you think it’s time to do it, and then you fail again! It’s funny. In a way, it doesn’t really affect me.”

Magnussen Wants F1 Regulations to be Relaxed

Nico Hulkenberg, Magnussen’s Haas F1 Team teammate, was one of several drivers who said it was “too harsh” to penalise a driver for multiple incidents.

Magnussen, a former McLaren alumnus, said F1 was more regulated when it came to wheel-to-wheel racing than when he started his career in 2014.

“In my opinion, I don’t think it’s a good situation for F1 to limit racing. It’s disgusting to see a sport that I love so much change in a way that I don’t like.”

“I definitely enjoy intense racing. I think a big part of the beauty of motorsports is the battles. The balance between being on the edge of the limit, or slightly above it, or slightly over the limit, or not over the limit, is what makes the race exciting.”

“At this point, it feels like we’re punishing something stupid. Personally, as a F1 fan, I would love to see the sport reopen and see some good racing on the track.”

Magnussen, like other drivers, is calling on the FIA to change its penalty point system, but admits the situation is complex.

“The penalty points thing… it’s a bit strange. For extremely dangerous driving or specific incidents, it may be better to have some type of suspension from racing rather than cumulatively.”

Category: Formula 1 / Kevin Magnussen / F1 Singapore GP / Haas F1 Team