Hulkenberg and Magnussen hail ‘amazing team performance’ as Haas score double points finish in Austria

Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen were left greatly encouraged by Haas’s performance in the Austrian Grand Prix, with the pair scoring a significant double points finish for the team in sixth and eighth respectively.

After starting from P9 on the grid, Hulkenberg fought forwards before winning a battle with Sergio Perez in the latter stages to take an impressive P6 result. Reflecting on an eventful afternoon after jumping out of the car, the German admitted it had been a “hell of a race”.

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“Especially at the end, it got so intense, but I think it was intense at the front too with Max [Verstappen] and Lando [Norris]!” Hulkenberg said with a smile, referring to the dramatic collision between Verstappen and Norris on Lap 64 of 71 as they fought for the lead.

“It was happening everywhere. It was touch and go, I was really pushing hard to keep Checo behind, but the last two laps my tyres were really done with it. I almost lost the car completely out of Turn 10 in a big way, went onto the gravel a bit and then had a big tank-slapper.

“Then he came by, but into [Turn] 3 I kind of let him edge in front so I could have DRS for the next straight, which obviously put me back in front. Then luckily it was [the] final lap because I would have not survived another lap!

“But yeah, very happy. Double points for the team and in a big way, so didn’t expect that, obviously one car out or something but still, amazing team performance today and this weekend.

“I think it’s confirmed now that we’re midfield on all sorts of different tracks, we are competitive, we can fight everyone. That’s really great news and I’m very happy about that.”

READ MORE: Hulkenberg hit with 10-second time penalty over Alonso incident in Austria Sprint

With the result seemingly putting Haas back into the fight for P7 in the constructors’ championship – having now amassed 19 points, 10 points more than Alpine in P8 – Hulkenberg credited the team for seizing an opportunity to score.

“You’ve got to be there weekend-in weekend-out, consistency in a long season is key,” the 36-year-old remarked. “Also this year we’ve obviously worked much better and efficiently in terms of bringing updates.

“We’ve steadily improved the car, that means we can keep up with the others. We’ve got another one coming next weekend so, yeah, I’m excited for that. Silverstone anyway [is] one of my favourites, so I’m looking forward to a good week.”

Magnussen, meanwhile, made up four positions from his original grid slot of P12 to cross the line in P8. Asked for his feelings after the race, the Dane responded: “A bit tired right now but, yeah, good race, really happy.

“Nico P6, myself P8, good bunch of points for the team. Couldn’t be happier, back in the game for P7 in the championship, and just great to be back.”

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After previously being vocal about his frustrations with traffic during qualifying on more than one occasion in 2024, Magnussen was relieved to enjoy a much smoother weekend all-round at the Red Bull Ring.

“It has been a smooth weekend, good qualifyings with no traffic – well managed there,” he added. “Two good pit stops in the race, strategy spot-on, so couldn’t have asked for more.”