Breaking news
Formula 1
Magnussen sets sights on "Class B championship" title
Kevin Magnussen says he is trying to win a Formula 1 "Class B championship" he has created in his mind this season.
Scott Mitchell
Published: Aug 17, 2018, 4:10 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The Haas driver is eighth in the 2018 standings on 45 points, just seven behind Renault's Nico Hulkenberg.
However, the next-placed driver – Max Verstappen – has more than Magnussen and Hulkenberg combined thanks to the gulf in performance between Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull and the rest of the field.
"I'm kind of creating this big championship in my head," Magnussen told Motorsport.com. "I know it doesn't exist, but in my head, it's something to motivate myself with.
"I've let go of those top three teams, I'm not worried about that, but we are in an even fight with the two or three other teams in the midfield and that fight is something that I really want to win."
Magnussen has been best-of-the-rest behind the big three teams on two occasions this season, finishing sixth in Spain and France.
He has beaten that result on-track, scoring fifth in Bahrain and Austria, but finished behind Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly and Haas teammate Romain Grosjean in those races respectively.
Magnussen entered F1 in 2014 and scored a podium on his debut with McLaren, but has not won since the finale of his 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 title-winning season.
"I haven't had any kind of winning emotions for all the time that I've been in F1," he said.
"When I finished third but got second in Australia in my first race, I still didn't have those kind of winning emotions, it was just a third.
"Now I've been able to focus on this big championship that I have created in my mind and when I beat the other guys, I get the same emotions [as winning].
"I don't care about the big three teams, they're in a different league.
"When I get in front of all the midfield teams, I get those kinds of emotions and that's hugely motivating."
Magnussen is expected to extend his time with Haas, after joining from Renault on a two-year deal that is due to end this season.
He said: "What do you want if you're not in a top team, that can't fight for wins and championships?
"It's a stable team that gives you a good car, that can still fight for points and still fight for that Class B championship.
"I probably have the best car of the trailing teams. I couldn't ask for more."
F1's unofficial Class B fight
Formula 1's only official Class B recognition was the 1987 Jim Clark Trophy, which was contested by drivers who did not have turbocharged engines and won by Jonathan Palmer.
Motorsport.com's statistical partner Forix has been recording Magnussen's fictional Class B battle all season.
Magnussen has taken two class wins this year, which puts him second to four-time victor Nico Hulkenberg.
McLaren's Fernando Alonso, Toro Rosso driver Pierre Gasly, Magnussen's teammate Romain Grosjean and Force India pair Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon have also tasted Class B success.
Pos
Driver
Team
Points
1
Nico Hulkenberg
Renault
169
2
Kevin Magnussen
Haas
147
3
Carlos Sainz
Renault
133
4
Fernando Alonso
McLaren
123
5
Esteban Ocon
Force India
113
6
Sergio Perez
Force India
106
7
Pierre Gasly
Toro Rosso
89
8
Romain Grosjean
Haas
74
9
Charles Leclerc
Sauber
65
10
Stoffel Vandoorne
McLaren
62
11
Marcus Ericsson
Sauber
52
12
Brendon Hartley
Toro Rosso
34
13
Lance Stroll
Williams
33
14
Sergey Sirotkin
Williams
9
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Kubica driving 70% left-handed after injury
Next article Standard parts would allay F1 engine cheating fears - Renault
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Scott Mitchell
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Formula 1
Formula 1
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Formula 1
Formula 1
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
Formula 1
Formula 1
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
More from
Kevin Magnussen
Title battles and bittersweet farewells headline packed 54-car Petit Le Mans grid
IMSA
IMSA
Petit Le Mans
Title battles and bittersweet farewells headline packed 54-car Petit Le Mans grid
Kevin Magnussen vs. Noah Gragson NASCAR feud: A lap-by-lap breakdown
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR Cup
San Diego
Kevin Magnussen vs. Noah Gragson NASCAR feud: A lap-by-lap breakdown
Kevin Magnussen's NASCAR debut is part of post-F1 'open mind' to global motorsports
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR Cup
San Diego
Kevin Magnussen's NASCAR debut is part of post-F1 'open mind' to global motorsports
More from
Haas F1 Team
Why it's now Oliver Bearman versus Rafael Camara for the next Ferrari vacancy
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Why it's now Oliver Bearman versus Rafael Camara for the next Ferrari vacancy
Esteban Ocon responds to Haas signing Rafael Camara for F1 2027
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Esteban Ocon responds to Haas signing Rafael Camara for F1 2027
Latest news
F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli fighting for lead
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
1 h
F1 United States GP live commentary and updates - Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli fighting for lead
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
4 h
Charles Leclerc reacts to Ferrari fear: 'We know what line not to cross'
Kyle Busch Remembered: Rowdy's wildest and most impressive Talladega moments
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
5 h
Kyle Busch Remembered: Rowdy's wildest and most impressive Talladega moments
Lamborghini World Finals PRO-PRO/AM Race 2: Leitch/Stasi dominate to seal title
Lamborghini Super Trofeo
LBST Lamborghini Super Trofeo
World Finals - Monza 2026
5 h
Lamborghini World Finals PRO-PRO/AM Race 2: Leitch/Stasi dominate to seal title
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe