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Haas drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen achieved a commendable double-points end within the Australian GP, the pair confirming that the tempo of their automotive now shines brighter on race day than throughout qualifying.
A strong show and a few helpful teamwork as soon as once more carried Hulkenberg into the factors whereas Magnussen scored his first top-ten end of 2024.
The Dane had put himself on the verge of the factors within the latter a part of the race, however George Russell’s crash simply two laps from the checkered flag ensured Magnussen presence among the many prime ten.
Haas’ outcome was partially setup by the crew’s resolution to order Magnussen to let Hulkenberg cross him just a few laps after the race’s early digital security automotive interval because the crew had break up the pair’s tyre methods, with the Hulk set for an extended opening stint on the laborious rubber.
“The VSC didn’t assist me,” stated Magnussen. “However on the flip-side, it helped Nico so we might get him again into the battle and it’s improbable to get three factors right here.”
Final season, with a automotive that carried out nicely in qualifying however proved hopeless on race day attributable to its tyre degradation points, Haas’ vitality was usually wasted on Sundays.
However this 12 months, the crew’s VF-24 is proving a lot stronger in race trim than in qualifying, thanks largely to its extra benign therapy of its tyre compounds.
“It’s very encouraging and it’s a distinct approach to go racing,” admitted Magnussen.
“Final 12 months we awakened on race day figuring out it’s not going to be good. In the present day, I awakened figuring out we might have an opportunity to battle, and it was true.
“We had been stronger with our race tempo than qualifying, and we simply have to hold working on this route.”
Commenting on his race, Hulkenberg was as soon as once more fast to reward Magnussen for lending him a serving to hand on his approach to P9.
“The primary VSC helped me and I overtook a automotive at every of my stops on the pit exit,” commented the German. “That actually made my race at the moment, that along with the VSC and our teamwork – so I’m actually joyful.”
The 36-year-old additionally echoed Okay-Magazine’s feedback on how Haas now has a automotive that’s stronger on race day than in qualifying trim.
“I really feel extra inspired at the moment that the automotive felt higher than in qualifying, which is totally different from final 12 months, nevertheless it’s sensible to have it this fashion round.”
Apparently, Haas’ productive begin to its 2024 marketing campaign is at odds with the pre-season predictions of crew boss Ayao Komatsu who repeatedly warned that the US outfit’s automotive would doubtless bookend the sector in F1’s early races.
©Haas
The Japanese engineer was clearly delighted together with his crew’s efficiency, though he acknowledged that there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.
“After yesterday’s qualifying I stated we anticipated to have higher race tempo however to have the ability to get double factors is healthier than anticipated, so it simply goes to indicate that you want to be there,” stated Komatsu.
“You might want to do every little thing good to have the ability to decide up these final out there positions.
“It wasn’t good at the moment, there’s some issues that we have to enhance, however general, I’m so joyful for the crew.
“Each drivers drove a superb race, and the pit cease crew, when it was vital, they delivered, they bought our drivers out in entrance of the competitors.”
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