Hulkenberg explains how relationship with Magnussen ‘turned into a friendship’ as he reflects on team mate’s Haas exit

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SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA - JUNE 29: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Haas F1 and Kevin Magnussen of Denmark

Nico Hulkenberg has reflected fondly on his two seasons spent being team mates with Kevin Magnussen at Haas, with the German admitting that their relationship underwent “quite the turnaround” after an infamous spat between the pair at the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Hulkenberg had called the Dane “the most unsporting driver on the grid” during an argument in the media pen following an on-track clash at the Hungaroring seven years ago. As such, when it was announced that the two drivers would be paired up at Haas in 2023, there was much speculation over whether things could be tense.

READ MORE: Hulkenberg confident Haas can fight to be fifth-fastest team after ‘very encouraging’ P6 result at Silverstone

However, both were happy to put the incident behind them – with Hulkenberg previously revealing that they broke the ice when he returned to the grid as a ‘super-sub’ during 2022 – and they have gone on to enjoy a good relationship whilst working together over the past two years.

SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA - JUNE 30: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany driving the (27) Haas F1 VF-24 Ferrari

Hulkenberg and Magnussen have worked well together as team mates at Haas

With it being confirmed this week that Magnussen will depart Haas at the end of the current campaign, Hulkenberg was asked for his thoughts on the 31-year-old and what his future could hold.

“I enjoyed working with him these two years,” Hulkenberg explained. “It's been definitely enjoyable and we get on really well, after our little romance here a couple of years ago!

ANALYSIS: Bearman in, Magnussen out – so what's next for Haas?

“It was actually quite the turnaround of a relationship and kind of turned into a friendship. I think 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.

“I wish him well and all the best for his future.”

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JULY 19: Kevin Magnussen of Denmark and Haas F1 walks in the Paddock prior to

Magnussen returned to Formula 1 with Haas in 2022

Magnussen’s next steps have yet to be announced, though the Danish driver has stated that he is still hoping to find another seat in F1.

Hulkenberg, meanwhile, will also exit Haas at the end of 2024 as he moves to Kick Sauber ahead of the squad’s transition into being Audi’s works outfit in 2026.

READ MORE: ‘There are still many seats available’ – Magnussen targeting 2025 F1 drive despite Haas exit

This leaves Haas with one vacancy for 2025, with Oliver Bearman confirmed for one of the seats earlier this month.

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