F1 News: Guenther Steiner Commends Kevin Magnussen For Mental Strength

"It gives a lot of confidence"

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has commended Kevin Magnussen saying that he is "mentally stronger than he was years ago."

Kevin Magnussen drove for Haas between 2017 and 2020 but then lost his seat on the team. Nikita Mazepin has been lined up to continue racing for the team in 2022, however, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the team terminated his contract. 

The American team brought Magnussen back and he made them realise what they had been missing when he finished fifth place in the opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Magnussen went on to take the teams first pole position, as well as his own, for the Brazilian Grand Prix sprint race. 

Talking to Autosport, Steiner commented on how far the Danish driver has come. He explained:

“It’s age, being a dad, being called back instead of begging to get a seat is a different story as well.

“It plays with your mind as well. It gives a lot of confidence. This is a lot about how you are mentally strong.

“I think at the moment, he’s just mentally a lot stronger than he was years ago.”

The team announced shortly after the 2022 season that they were parting ways with young German driver Mick Schumacher. Nico Hulkenberg, who has been a reserve driver for Aston Martin, is making his F1 return to the team to drive alongside Magnussen. 

Steiner was asked if the mental strength of both drivers helped with their decision to bring back Hulkenberg. Steiner agreed that that is what they hope as both driver's have made comebacks to the sport. The Italian team principal responded:

“I think so. That is our hope. That’s why we did the decision.”

The driver line-up isn't the only thing that has changed in the Haas team for 2023. They announced at the Austin Grand Prix that they have signed a multi-year deal with a new title sponsor, MoneyGram. Earlier this week, the team released their updated logo with the new collaboration.