Kevin Magnussen Q&A: Las Vegas Grand Prix

The penultimate round of the season takes Formula 1 to the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. Let’s put the racing aside for just one moment, how excited are you to touch down on the strip and for everything that’s to come this week?

“The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the most hyped race I’ve ever gone into, it’s hugely exciting. For me as a driver and Formula 1 as a sport, we all can’t wait to see what this race is going to be like. We know this track is going to be pretty unique with all the long straights, and we’ll be keeping one eye on the weather forecast to see how cold it’s going to be, as that might be a real challenge for everyone. All in all, it’s very exciting!”

 

What can you tell us about the track? At 6.2km, it’s the third longest circuit after Spa and Jeddah with 17 flowing corners. Have you already got Turn 13 marked out – where cars are set to race side-by-side down the Strip for two kilometers through the heart of the city?

“Before Brazil, I have to say I didn’t know too much about the track, but since I’ve been in the simulator. After Brazil I immediately switched focus to Las Vegas, getting to know the track and all the corners. I’m excited to get familiar with the Las Vegas Street Circuit in person.” 

Temperatures are expected to be as low as five degrees Celsius / 41 Fahrenheit, how do you expect that to impact running?

“If it’s going to be that cold in the night, then getting the tires up to temperature is going to be very difficult. We could see some spectacle – it’s going to be all about getting temperature in the tires. Downforce helps with that, so let’s see how we go.” 

 

It’s our final US race of the year, can you summarize what it’s been like racing at home this season and how the races differentiate themselves from the rest of the calendar? 

“I think the US races are special, they’re the new races in the sport. In a way, the sport is new in the US, and they do it differently here. It’s more of a show and there’s a special atmosphere here. Being the only American team, there’s extra pressure to do well, which is a good thing, and when we do score the points at those races, it’s very fulfilling.”