Kevin Magnussen Q&A: Sao Paulo Grand Prix

The 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was an undeniable highlight of the season for the team, scoring your first pole position for the Sprint. One year on, is it a moment you still think of, and does it continue to bring motivation knowing anything is possible in Formula 1?

“It was a fantastic moment for me and the team last year, but in Formula 1 you quickly move on from things like that and focus on the next thing you want to achieve. At the moment, we’re in a very different situation. It’s going to be nice coming back to Sao Paulo though, it’s a classic on the calendar and the memory from last year will make it a nice feeling.”
 

This is the final Sprint of this season – now they’ve become a familiar feature on the calendar – what are your thoughts and what changes would you make for next season?

“I’ve said it many times, I like the Sprint format. For me personally, as a driver, it’s more exciting. Out of the five sessions, four really count and that’s more exciting.”

We come to the end of the final triple-header of the year. At the beginning of the season, drivers seem to like the repetition of racing consecutive weeks to get into a good fitness routine etc, but towards the end of the season, does the body feel the strain or do you still feel in peak fitness?

“In an overseas triple-header, it’s very difficult to keep up your training routine between the races, like you would in the off-season. It’s just not possible, so overall fitness drops I think but then you drive a lot, so your neck is strong and your driving fitness picks up, but it’s certainly a challenging time fitness-wise because of the schedule.

"I like off-season training, over the last couple of years I’ve really tried to up my game and this off-season I’m planning together with my physio an even more intense program. I think I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and I’m sure next year I’ll be the strongest I’ve ever been, again.”