Kevin Magnussen, former System 1 driver and sports activities automobile 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 System 1 to Endurance Racing
Magnussen, after a decade in F1, was drawn to the competitiveness of contemporary endurance racing. “Sports activities automobile racing is in a incredible period proper now,” he instructed us. You have a look at Le Mans and see all these massive producers competing, and it’s simply so aggressive. It’s one thing I’ve wished 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 an enormous producer like BMW at the moment is a superb 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 advanced” and in contrast to any automobile he’s pushed earlier than: “It’s sort of a center floor between a GT automobile and a prototype. It’s heavy however has a variety of downforce, so it feels distinctive. I’m nonetheless constructing confidence with the automobile and studying the programs. Sharing the automobile additionally means much less monitor time, so each lap counts. Nevertheless it’s actually enjoyable to drive, and the racing is incredible.”
He additionally touched on the group dynamics in comparison with System 1: “Sharing the automobile is an enormous adjustment. In System 1, you’ve the automobile to your self. Right here, you must work carefully together with your teammates and compromise on issues like setup. It’s difficult, however I benefit from the collaboration.” Regardless of restricted time within the automobile 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 automobile, even when the groups and tracks are totally different. I’ve raced at a lot of the IMSA tracks from my time in 2021, and I do know most of the WEC tracks from my F1 days. After all, Le Mans is the race I’m most wanting ahead to—it’s the top of sports activities automobile racing for me.”
Endurance Racing vs. System 1
On the variations between System 1 and endurance racing, Kevin highlighted the purer competitors in sports activities automobiles: “You may 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 robust. It’s robust, but it surely’s thrilling to combat for wins, poles, and podiums once more.”
Selecting Between Le Mans and Daytona
When requested if he would favor to win Le Mans or Daytona, Magnussen didn’t hesitate: “Le Mans, indubitably. For me, it’s the largest sports activities automobile race on this planet and arguably the largest race total. 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 environment, 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 at all times felt particular. To race there as a part of BMW and have the possibility to win it might be unbelievable.”
What’s Subsequent?
Kevin additionally shared his ideas on future challenges and aspirations: “Proper now, I’m centered on constructing my confidence with the automobile and studying its intricacies. I’m 32, so I nonetheless have a variety of time in motorsport. I’d like to attempt races like Bathurst or Spa sooner or later, however for now, I’m totally dedicated to BMW and LMDh. Successful Le Mans can be the last word aim—it’s the largest race on this planet 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 objectives for the season.
