Magnussen urges FIA to reevaluate driver trust in F1 penalties to bring back racing spirit

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Kevin Magnussen, Haas driver, has publicly appealed to the FIA to place more trust in Formula 1 drivers’ ability to race each other without excessive penalties, following his suspension during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. Magnussen, who was penalized after an incident with Pierre Gasly at the Italian Grand Prix, became the first driver to have his superlicence suspended for accumulating 12 penalty points within a 12-month period.

The points system, which has been in place since 2014, has drawn criticism from drivers and spectators alike. Magnussen, observing the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from his home gym, voiced his belief that the FIA needs to reconsider its penalty approach.

"I can feel the FIA know it's not the right way at the moment," Magnussen stated. "Hopefully they will open up and realize they need to trust the drivers. Of course, there are things you have to clamp down on. There are things, like moving under braking, and reacting to movement, there are dangerous things that you should clamp down on. But the little things, just let it go."

Magnussen, known for his aggressive driving style, suggested that despite his awareness of the points system, it did not alter his approach on the track. He emphasized that the current rules inhibit the essence of racing.

"That my own opinion is it's not a great situation for F1, I think, to restrict racing in that way," he said. "It feels bad when the sport you love so much changes in a way you don't appreciate. I think I'm certainly one that, I like hard racing, and I think that's a big part of the beauty of motorsport, is the battles. The on the limit and slightly over, that balance between going slightly over and under the limit is what makes your race."

Magnussen opined that the current regulations are overly punitive on minor infractions, which stifles the exhilaration of the sport. "At the moment, it feels like they're punishing ridiculous things. I'd like to see, personally as a Formula 1 fan, I'd like to see the sport open up again and allowing the great racing that can be seen on-track."

As Magnussen prepares to exit Formula 1 at the end of the season with Haas introducing a new driver lineup featuring Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, he reflected humorously on his clean slate of penalty points moving forward.

"Yeah exactly! I mean, it's kind of... you get punished, and then you come back, and you're like all ready to... f--- s--- up now! It's funny how that works. In a way, it hasn't really affected me. I think with those points, it was annoying to have the knowledge that the next time anything happens, there's a race ban. It's nice to know that's not a factor any more."

Magnussen concluded by emphasizing his commitment to maintain his driving style, regardless of the penalty points. "I've really tried to say look, I need to crack on here, and whatever happens happens."

Magnussen's comments come at a crucial time for the FIA as they reassess their approach to ensuring fair yet exciting racing in Formula 1.

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