Renault F1 launch: Q&A with Kevin Magnussen

Kevin Magnussen sensationally scored a podium on his Formula 1 debut in 2014 with second in the Australian Grand Prix – becoming the first rookie to score a podium on their GP debut since Lewis Hamilton in 2007.

He joins Renault Sport Formula One Team hungry for success after a year without race action despite his strong rookie season.

Previously, Kevin won the 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 series with five wins and 13 podium finishes to beat rival Stoffel Vandoorne. In 2012 he took a podium in his Formula Renault 3.5 debut and in the previous season he finished second in British F3.

What does the return to Formula 1 with Renault Sport Formula One Team mean to you?

It’s an incredible feeling and it means so much. It’s not only a Formula 1 drive but it’s a top drive. Renault Sport will be fighting for world championships in the future, it might have a build-up phase, but they’re here to win and that’s a goal I share. I can’t believe I’m now a part of it.

How much of a rollercoaster has the last few years been for you?

It’s been character building! I had a season in 2014 with McLaren and I felt it went quite well pitched against a past World Champion. To be replaced the following year was tough even if the line-up the team used was very strong. I had been racing every year since I was six so to sit to the side certainly wasn’t part of my plan.

Do you have a point to prove on your Formula 1 race return?

Hopefully I’ll prove many points. I’m extremely motivated after a whole year away. I’ve been sitting on the sideline during the races for so many weekends and I’m hungry to come back and prove my worth. I’ve raced my whole life and I’m extremely hungry and keen to get in a race car again and even more so with Renault Sport!

What have you done to ensure you were race-ready in case any opportunity came your way?

Without racing last year I actually had more time to train and I feel very fit because of that. I’m physically ready. I’ve not had a lot of time in a race car but the time I had, I felt good. I was always surprised at how quickly I re-adapted to driving after time out of the car. I was pretty much immediately on the pace when I tested the Porsche Le Mans car and I’ve been on it whenever I’ve been in an F1 car. I’m ready.

It’s an exciting new project but there’s a lot to be achieved in a short time; how can you aid this process?

I have a lot to give. I’ve been connected to a top Formula 1 team for five years and three of those were in Formula 1 in driving and testing capacities. Despite just one season racing, I’ve got good experience. I can’t wait to get started at a great project such as a Renault factory team. I’m pleased to be a part of it.

What’s your previous history with Renault?

I’m familiar with the brand as I’ve raced in the junior categories such as Formula Renault 2.0, and was 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 series winner. In my mind that’s a nice connection to have and I remember my seasons in World Series by Renault well and they were great experiences. I hope to add to those great experiences through 2016 and beyond.

Key Dates

2014 – 2015 Racing with McLaren

Kevin made the perfect start to his Formula 1 career, taking second in the Australian Grand Prix. He proved to be an able team-mate to 2009 World Champion Jenson Button, regularly scoring points throughout 2014. The arrival of Honda saw Kevin on the bench in favour of the two-time champion, Fernando Alonso.

2012 – 2013: Formula Renault 3.5

Kevin impressed by finishing in the top three in his first Formula Renault 3.5 race with Carlin in 2012. His rookie season saw three poles and a win at Spa on his way to seventh in the standings. In 2013, he sealed the title with DAMS and shook off strong competition from the likes of McLaren-Honda Third Driver Stoffel Vandoorne. The Dane finished his season with five wins and thirteen podium finishes and clinched the title in the final round at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

2011: British Formula 3

A season long battle with current Sauber Formula 1 driver Felipe Nasr proved to be the highlight of the 2011 British Formula 3 championship. The pair were team-mates at leading single seater team Carlin, but Nasr was able to string together the results to resign Kevin to runner up in the championship ahead of the likes of Valtteri Bottas and Roberto Merhi.

2010: German Formula 3

Kevin left it late to secure third in the 2010 German Formula 3 championship after a season long battle with Stef Dusseldorp. Magnussen entered the final race two points ahead, before beating his rival in the last encounter to seal third and the Rookie Championship honours ahead of Daniel Abt and Felix Rosenqvist.

2009: Formula Renault 2.0

Balancing both the Formula Renault 2.0 categories of NEC and Eurocup, Kevin was able to star in both championships after picking up a win, as well as 12 podiums in 14 races before graduating into the Formula Renault 3.5 series

2008: Danish Formula Ford, ADAC Formel Masters

Following an impressive career in karting, the Danish driver moved into single seaters and made an immediate impact as he won the Danish Formula Ford championship in his home country. Not content with a solitary championship, he also raced six times in the ADAC Formel Masters.