Kevin Magnussen has revealed that Haas has made changes to how it introduces upgrades in 2024 as it prepares to debut new parts at Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Magnussen thinks that it is “encouraging” that Haas is now capable of bringing developments to its VF-24 challenger earlier in the campaign than it has in previous terms.
The Danish driver reveals that Haas is taking a different approach regarding the upgrades including smaller but constant updates rather than “one big glorious upgrade.”
“I think it’s a It’s a sensible approach to not, you know try and go for one big glorious upgrade then and instead take it in in smaller bits and you know also gives you a chance to change cause if things aren’t working out with those first upgrades and make adjustments rather than put all your eggs in one basket,” explained Magnussen.
“I think the upgrade is it’s not like a revolutionary one. It’s not a big upgrade, but it’s early in the season and it’s encouraging that we’re starting to bring stuff to the car already at this point in the season.
“I’m excited to see if it delivers but it’s you know, the expectation is not that it’s gonna be a big gain, but we hopefully can bring more upgrades of this smaller nature and the accumulated [gain] it’s gonna be big.
“I think the race to P6 in the championship this year is super tight So every little matters.”
Asked about his expectations for F1’s return to China this weekend, Magnussen anticipates that Haas will continue its battle with RB for the minor points positions.
Haas is in an intense fight with RB for sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, with the sister Red Bull squad retaining a three-point margin after the first four rounds.
“Yeah, it’s funny. I haven’t been here for a while,” he said. “It feels like a longer time than that actually, but it’s good to be back. And hopefully we we can be strong here as well
“I think it’s it’s all up for grabs all the time. The field is split into two very clearly, but I’d like to think we can be at the front of that first half of the grid and being in the lead and really challenge for sixth-best team.
“I think that’s that’s kind of our game then our target It’s not gonna be an easy one. AlphaTauri [RB] are very competitive at the moment, but hopefully we can bring the fight to them.”
