F1 | Saudi Arabian GP | Haas, Magnussen after Quali: "The car was better than P10, I didn’t get the most out of it"
Technical issues in free practice and a neck problem meant a P10 start for Kevin Magnussen, who felt that he couldn't get the best out of his VF-22.
A troubled debut for Kevin Magnussen in Jeddah, as the Danish driver only managed to put his VF-22 in P10 on the grid for Sunday's race.
Magnussen had advanced on to Q3 with a 1:29.456s -the 8th best time for Q2- but was unable to repeat it in the last qualifying session. In Q3, in fact, he registered a 1:29.588s on his first flying lap and was unable to improve on his second try.
"We have to be happy with Q3, but the car was better than P10, I didn’t get the most out of it," commented Magnussen at the end of Quali.
"Honestly my neck just completely broke in Q3 – suddenly it snapped, and I couldn’t hold it."
Issue that prevented him from delivering a good drive that, he says, could have secured a much higher spot on the grid for Haas.
"I wasn’t driving well, I think maybe there was a P5 in the car, there’s only half a second up to P5 and my best lap in Q3 was on used tires – and not a great lap as I said. The team had a P5 in it, but I didn’t.”
Kevin couldn’t improve there, but he’ll be starting in the top 10 again 🙌
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 26, 2022
Qualifies P10 ⏱ 1:29.588#HaasF1 #SaudiArabianGP #Quali pic.twitter.com/XMfroLhHgP
Team Principal Gunther Steiner, however, appears to be quite satisfied with his performance.
"Kevin, having not done a lot of practice yesterday, I think he did a fantastic job today getting into Q3," he said.
"His last run was not as planned but I think that was down to not having enough time on track."
On Friday Magnussen experienced hydraulic issues that forced him back in the garage at the start of FP1.
The second free practice session was no better, as his car suffered a drop in power and halted in the middle sector. Issues that only allowed him to complete a total of 15 laps.
"We’re still happy with Q3 and P10 tomorrow,” concluded Steiner.
Haas will take part in the Grand Prix with only one car, after a shocking crash at Turn 12 sent Mick Schumacher to the hospital for check-ups.
