Kevin Magnussen, former Formulation 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 beneath, however here’s a fast abstract of the interview.
From Formulation 1 to Endurance Racing
Magnussen, after a decade in F1, was drawn to the competitiveness of recent endurance racing. “Sports activities automotive racing is in a improbable period proper now,” he instructed us. You take a look at Le Mans and see all these massive 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 captivated with them ever since. Becoming a member of a giant producer like BMW right now is a superb alternative.” Magnussen is not 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 advanced” and in contrast to any automotive he’s pushed earlier than: “It’s form of a center floor between a GT automotive and a prototype. It’s heavy however has a number of downforce, so it feels distinctive. I’m nonetheless constructing confidence with the automotive and studying the methods. Sharing the automotive additionally means much less monitor time, so each lap counts. However it’s actually enjoyable to drive, and the racing is improbable.”
He additionally touched on the group dynamics in comparison with Formulation 1: “Sharing the automotive is a giant adjustment. In Formulation 1, you’ve gotten the automotive to your self. Right here, you must 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 formidable 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 most of the WEC tracks from my F1 days. In fact, Le Mans is the race I’m most trying ahead to—it’s the head of sports activities automotive racing for me.”
Endurance Racing vs. Formulation 1
On the variations between Formulation 1 and endurance racing, Kevin highlighted the purer competitors in sports activities automobiles: “You would say it’s extra equal. In endurance racing, there are extra automobiles with an actual probability of profitable, and the extent of competitors throughout the sphere is extremely sturdy. It’s powerful, nevertheless it’s thrilling to battle 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, certainly. For me, it’s the most important sports activities automotive race on the earth and arguably the most important race total. That’s to not take something away from Daytona—this race is unimaginable, 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. Successful at Le Mans is the dream.”
Magnussen’s ardour for the French endurance traditional is deeply rooted in his childhood, having watched his father, Jan Magnussen, compete there. “I’ve been to Le Mans so many instances rising up, and it’s all the time felt particular. To race there as a part of BMW and have the possibility 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 a number of time in motorsport. I’d like to strive races like Bathurst or Spa sooner or later, however for now, I’m totally dedicated to BMW and LMDh. Successful Le Mans could be the last word aim—it’s the most important race on the earth for me.”
Watch the complete interview on YouTube to listen to Kevin Magnussen’s ideas on endurance racing, his new partnership with BMW Motorsport, and his targets for the season.
