Kevin Magnussen announced on Thursday morning that he will be leaving Haas after this season. After a seven-year collaboration, the Americans will not be continuing with the 31-year-old Dane. Over the past two years, Magnussen has been accompanied by Nico Hülkenberg. According to the German, they have built a good relationship, although they have not always been best friends.
Nico Hülkenberg, who himself is leaving for Sauber after 2024 for a new challenge with Audi, is glad that he was able to share a team with Magnussen. “I have enjoyed our collaboration, we get along well,” he said at a press conference leading up to the Hungarian Grand Prix. “After the collision we had a few years ago in Hungary, our ‘romance’ has certainly improved,” he joked.
Hülkenberg was referring to the now famous incident with Magnussen after the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix. The German – then working at Renault – tried to overtake his Danish rival in the final stages of the race. As usual, Magnussen closed the door and pushed his future teammate onto the grass. After the race, Hülkenberg came to assert his point. “Well done, you were again the least sportsmanlike driver on the grid,” he said grumpily. “Suck my balls mate,” was Magnussen’s simple response.
‘Surprise of the Season’
In the last two Grand Prix, Nico Hülkenberg scored well by finishing sixth twice. An impressive achievement for the Haas driver, who once again proved himself to be the best of the rest. “I am very satisfied,” he responded. “The updates at Silverstone were really a good step forward. I think we are one of the surprises this season. It always feels good to be able to score points.”
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