Kevin Magnussen: Ditched Haas F1 star's team-mate reveals 'romance'

Drivers, 2024, Generic, Social — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 Stories

Ditched F1 star's team-mate reveals 'romance'

An F1 star opened up on his relationship with an axed driver

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Thursday 18 July 2024 22:57

A Formula 1 star has provided an insight into his relationship with his recently sacked team-mate.

Driver partnerships have a fraught history in F1, with some hosting fractious pairings over the years - particularly in championship-winning cars.

F1 HEADLINES: Newey clue dropped over F1 future as controversial star announces team departure

Article continues under video

Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost’s rivalry was at its peak when they raced alongside each other at McLaren between 1988-1989, crashing at Suzuka during the 1989 title decider.

Jumping forward a few decades, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg provided Mercedes with a headache as they went head-to-head for the world title.

Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna were rivals at McLaren

Nico Rosberg beat Lewis Hamilton for the 2016 world title

Nico Hulkenberg reacts to team-mate departure

Whilst they have not competed for championships, Haas drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen have been rivals, famously having a disagreement in the press pen after colliding at the 2017 Hungarian GP.

As the two team-mates approach this year's race at the Hungaroring, they do so with the knowledge they will both be leaving Haas.

Hulkenberg will join Sauber/Audi for 2025, whereas Magnussen’s F1 future is unknown after being dropped from Haas.

When asked to provide a few words on his team-mate at the Thursday press conference in Hungary, Hulkenberg admitted a friendship has developed despite their previous rivalry.

Nico Hulkenberg discusses Kevin Magnussen relationship

“Yeah I enjoyed working with him these two years, it’s been definitely enjoyable and you know we get on really well after our little romance here like a couple of years ago, you know it was actually quite the turnaround of a relationship and kind of turned into a friendship,” Hulkenberg said.

“I think you know, we work well as a team, we’re kind of pushing in the same direction most of the time and yeah, it’s been nice and a pleasure and I wish him well and all the best for his future.”

Lewis Hamilton McLaren Formula 1 Nico Rosberg Ayrton Senna Alain Prost