Kevin Magnussen, former Method 1 driver and sports activities automotive racing fanatic, made his debut with BMW Motorsport on the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona. As a part of the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 group, Magnussen mirrored in an unique interview with us on his transition to endurance racing, the distinctive challenges of the LMDh class, and his aspirations for this thrilling new chapter. We captured all of it within the video under, however here’s a fast abstract of the interview.
From Method 1 to Endurance Racing
Magnussen, after a decade in F1, was drawn to the competitiveness of contemporary endurance racing. “Sports activities automotive racing is in a incredible period proper now,” he instructed us. You have a look at Le Mans and see all these huge producers competing, and it’s simply so aggressive. It’s one thing I’ve needed to be a part of for a very long time. Rising up, I watched my dad race sports activities automobiles, and I’ve been enthusiastic about them ever since. Becoming a member of a giant producer like BMW at the moment is a good alternative.” Magnussen isn’t any stranger of endurance racing, together with a earlier stint at Daytona 24.
Adapting to the BMW M Hybrid V8
Driving the BMW M Hybrid V8 has been a studying expertise for Kevin. He described it as “very complicated” and in contrast to any automotive he’s pushed earlier than: “It’s type of a center floor between a GT automotive and a prototype. It’s heavy however has loads of downforce, so it feels distinctive. I’m nonetheless constructing confidence with the automotive and studying the techniques. Sharing the automotive additionally means much less observe time, so each lap counts. However it’s actually enjoyable to drive, and the racing is incredible.”
He additionally touched on the group dynamics in comparison with Method 1: “Sharing the automotive is a giant adjustment. In Method 1, you will have the automotive to your self. Right here, it’s a must to work intently along with your teammates and compromise on issues like setup. It’s difficult, however I benefit from the collaboration.” Regardless of restricted time within the automotive earlier than the race, he confirmed a powerful tempo within the race, however unlucky circumstance put the #24 on the fourth place on the finish of Rolex 24.
Balancing IMSA and WEC Campaigns
Competing in each the IMSA and WEC championships presents distinctive challenges, however Kevin stays optimistic: “On the finish of the day, it’s the identical automotive, even when the groups and tracks are completely different. I’ve raced at many of the IMSA tracks from my time in 2021, and I do know lots of the WEC tracks from my F1 days. In fact, Le Mans is the race I’m most trying ahead to—it’s the top of sports activities automotive racing for me.”
Endurance Racing vs. Method 1
On the variations between Method 1 and endurance racing, Kevin highlighted the purer competitors in sports activities automobiles: “You might say it’s extra equal. In endurance racing, there are extra automobiles with an actual likelihood of successful, and the extent of competitors throughout the sector is extremely sturdy. It’s powerful, but it surely’s thrilling to struggle for wins, poles, and podiums once more.”
Selecting Between Le Mans and Daytona
When requested if he would like to win Le Mans or Daytona, Magnussen didn’t hesitate: “Le Mans, undoubtedly. For me, it’s the most important sports activities automotive race on the earth and arguably the most important race general. That’s to not take something away from Daytona—this race is unbelievable, and it’s proper up there. However there’s simply one thing about Le Mans. It’s the historical past, the ambiance, and the status. Profitable at Le Mans is the dream.”
Magnussen’s ardour for the French endurance basic is deeply rooted in his childhood, having watched his father, Jan Magnussen, compete there. “I’ve been to Le Mans so many occasions rising up, and it’s at all times felt particular. To race there as a part of BMW and have the prospect to win it will be unbelievable.”
What’s Subsequent?
Kevin additionally shared his ideas on future challenges and aspirations: “Proper now, I’m targeted on constructing my confidence with the automotive and studying its intricacies. I’m 32, so I nonetheless have loads of time in motorsport. I’d like to attempt races like Bathurst or Spa sooner or later, however for now, I’m absolutely dedicated to BMW and LMDh. Profitable Le Mans could be the final word aim—it’s the most important race on the earth for me.”
Watch the total interview on YouTube to listen to Kevin Magnussen’s ideas on endurance racing, his new partnership with BMW Motorsport, and his objectives for the season.
