The Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a peculiar track. The teams can get the setup either extremely right or extremely wrong. There is no in-between. The data extracted from the practice sessions, therefore plays an important part. But Ferrari seems to have gotten it wrong before the qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix has even begun, albeit not their fault in the slightest. Due to the tight corners and blind turns, impeding an upcoming car is a cakewalk. But for drivers on fast laps, it is an unsavory situation. As Charles Leclerc finds himself behind a Haas, many find an uncanny similarity to the interaction from five years ago. 

If it’s not the car, it is the Ferrari strategy. If it’s not the strategy, the poster boy of the Italian Outfit, Leclerc, himself bins his race. However, this time, it is none of the above. Rather, it is the Ferrari subsidiary team, Haas, that almost ruined the Monegasque’s weekend.

Charles Leclerc and Kevin Magnussen recreate Suzuka at the Mexican Grand Prix

At the Suzuka Circuit in 2018, a young Charles Leclerc was off to a great start in his Sauber. As the race progressed he displayed exceptional overtaking skills. No wonder F1 greats labeled him a future WDC. However, as he found himself behind the Haas of Kevin Magnussen, a late block from the Dane acted as the domino effect for both. Angry at the late defense, Leclerc blasted Magnussen on the radio saying, “Magnussen is and always will be stupid. That’s a fact. A shame.” The collision ended both Magnussen’s and Leclerc’s race. 

Five years after the reckless incident, the two drivers replicated the scenario, albeit on a different circuit. The Ferrari man was on a fast lap when he got blocked by the Haas on a slow lap. However, this time, the Ferrari driver’s instincts kicked in at the right time, avoiding serious damage. Magnussen tried defending himself on the radio. He said, “Yeah Leclerc, didn’t know he was coming.” However, his defense quickly weakened as his engineer chided him. He said, “Well I did warn you about it, then you asked me about extra laps. I can’t do it all at once!”

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Kevin Magnussen has not had a great year. Sitting at 3 points, six behind his teammate, he is 18th in the drivers’ championship. Finishing barely in points, the Haas driver isn’t doing enough for the American team. And in an era of Americanization of the motorsport, a stronger contender would bring better profits for the American team.

“I Would Go for Charles”: Despite Disturbing “Issues” in His Head, Leclerc Picked as the Perfect Replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Will Oliver Bearman replace Magnussen in 2025?

Kevin Magnussen is not a bad driver. However, there are better drivers, namely Oliver Bearman. The Briton took the wheel on Friday for rookies’ day out in Formula 1. Replacing Magnussen in a Haas he finished 15th, three spots behind Hulkenburg. However, for the first time in an F1 car, the Ferrari protege performed with exceptional race craft. He garnered the praise of his director of engineering who mused that the Briton “didn’t put a foot wrong.” 

Bearman is currently sixth in the F2 standings. Although he has not mounted a tough title fight, his F2 career has been unfolding spectacularly. With Magnussen’s contract expiring in 2024, there is a high probability for the Englishman to be signed to the American Outfit for later seasons. For now, he goes back to F2 to place his bids for the 2024 title challenge.

WATCH THIS STORY | How Long Will Charles Leclerc Wait for Ferrari – Will He Leave for Some Other Team Post-2024? 

After Oliver Bearman displayed his exceptional race craft by partaking in the FP1 for Haas, will the American Outfit shun Magnussen for the youngest British driver?