F1 News: Kevin Magnussen Positive About Haas 2024 Development Direction

“I think the upgraded car is more in line with the plan," he said.

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen shared that the developmental path the team pursued last year with crucial upgrades has proven to be a positive step forward for the 2024 car. After comparing the new spec car with the old one, he expresses optimism regarding the chosen development route for this year.

Haas introduced performance upgrades last year during the US Grand Prix in Austin to up the VF-23's pace. But, for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, teammate Nico Hulkenberg went for the old spec while Magnussen chose to drive the upgraded spec of the car.

After much performance comparison, Magnussen felt that the Austin upgrades were a step in the right direction for the 2024 car. Speaking to the media after the Abu Dhabi grand finale last year, he said:

“I think the upgraded car is more in line with the plan for next year, the concept looks like what we think of for next year.

“It’s not actually got more downforce on paper, it’s not faster, but it is better to drive, it’s easier, the balance is more consistent. That’s why you don’t see a step back when we run the new spec, although it’s got less downforce.

“I think that’s what we need to go into the winter, developing in that direction, and hopefully we can take a step forward for next year because it’s not been an easy year, for sure.”

Concluding the challenging season with only 12 points, Haas found themselves at the bottom of the Constructors' Standings, leaving Kevin Magnussen without any notable highlights for 2023. He added:

“There’s not been any great highlights I would say, unfortunately.

“I think the races where we scored points have been quite… There have been races where I’ve been extremely happy with a P10, which just shows what kind of season we’ve had.

“But yeah, those races where points have been on the table have been the highlights. Unfortunately, it’s not been any better than that.”