The start of the 2025 Formula 1 campaign marked a notable shift in the paddock, with a wave of fresh talent joining the grid, resulting in veteran drivers losing their seats. Among the experienced names no longer racing were Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas, and Kevin Magnussen. Sergio Perez has been linked with a potential move to Cadillac for the next season, which could see him return to Formula 1, while Bottas transitioned into a reserve driver role for Mercedes. Following the Miami Grand Prix, Bottas was seen testing one of the team’s older cars. On the other hand, Magnussen seems to have no interest in rejoining the F1 fold after three separate stints in the sport.
Magnussen’s journey in Formula 1 includes a pivotal moment when he was one of the drivers vying to replace Lewis Hamilton during Hamilton’s McLaren debut in 2014, following Perez’s inability to secure a strong position with the team. After taking a year-long break in 2015, Magnussen returned to the sport with Renault and later had two separate tenures at Haas. However, in 2025, Magnussen was replaced by Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman at Haas. Currently, the Danish driver is competing in the World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship. He will also join MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi for the prestigious Spa 24 Hours event.
At 32 years old, Magnussen recently shared his perspective on the stark differences between the current generation of Formula 1 cars and those from earlier eras, offering insights that could shed light on some of the challenges Lewis Hamilton has faced since his move to Ferrari this season.
During an interview with The Express, Kevin Magnussen was asked about the changes in Formula 1 since his debut over a decade ago. He explained that the shift in car design was “quite different,” with a significant change in the cars’ setup, particularly the lower and stiffer designs. The sidewall of the tire had a much lower profile, making the driving experience feel notably distinct. According to Kevin Magnussen, the driving style required was also altered—while the older cars allowed drivers to “hustle” them around the track, the newer cars with ground effect and stiff suspension require a more deliberate approach. Magnussen noted that the current cars demand a “freestyle” style of driving, where every move is more methodical and measured, unlike the freer handling of the past.
This difference in car handling has proven to be particularly challenging for Hamilton, who is adjusting to Ferrari’s set-up after a long career with Mercedes. The Danish driver’s comments about the new cars’ stiff suspension and the need for a more controlled driving style might help explain why the Briton’s transition to Ferrari hasn’t been as smooth as he would have hoped. While Hamilton struggled with qualifying pace in 2024 and lost out to his teammate George Russell in head-to-head battles, his move to Ferrari this season has not solved the underlying issues. Charles Leclerc continues to maintain a slight advantage in terms of performance, with Hamilton admitting that Ferrari’s different brake system is a factor affecting his comfort and confidence behind the wheel.
In Formula 1, even the smallest adjustments—like the different brake systems used by Ferrari—can significantly impact performance, especially when margins between drivers are measured in mere hundredths of a second. Charles Leclerc has been spearheading Ferrari’s car set-up decisions, and Hamilton is taking time to adjust to these changes after over a decade of familiarity with Mercedes’ approach. Kevin Magnussen’s insight about the current car’s requirement for a more disciplined and less dynamic driving style further emphasizes the difficulties Hamilton faces in adapting to Ferrari’s unique setup. In addition, following Lewis Hamilton’s disqualification at the Chinese Grand Prix for excessive plank wear, Ferrari had to raise the ride height of their SF-25, another adjustment that may influence Hamilton’s driving experience.
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