For the first time since 1975, an American team has the pole in a Formula 1 race. Haas’ Kevin Magnussen earned his first-ever pole position for the São Paulo Grand Prix on Friday.
Magnussen was able to maneuver his way across the rainy Interlagos Circuit and earn the historic pole position. A strong third qualifying session, coupled with some bad weather, gave the Danish driver a chance to beat two-time world champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes’s George Russell, who happened to finish in second place and third place, respectively.
QUALIFYING CLASSIFICATON
The first pole of K-Mag's career 💪#BrazilGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/xoo1lg2114
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 11, 2022
“I don’t know what to say,” Magnussen said afterward. “The team put me out on the track at exactly the right moment. I mean we were first out of the pit lane and I did a pretty decent lap and we’re on pole. It’s incredible.”
K-MAG ON POLE!!! 🤯🤯
Can you believe it?!#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/0RZgq4gV1P
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 11, 2022
Now, Magnussen, who recently returned to Haas this season after spending a year away from the F1 racetrack, gives him a prime starting spot for Saturday’s sprint race at Interlagos. How that sprint goes will determine how the 20 drivers line up for Sunday’s São Paulo Grand Prix.
Absolutely FANTASTIC !!!!! When its your day, it's your day 💯
So happy for my friend @KevinMagnussen— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) November 11, 2022
Kevin Magnussen has more poles than Lewis Hamilton this year
What is 2022
— Matt Gallagher (@MattP1Gallagher) November 11, 2022
i'm so glad twitter was still around for this https://t.co/x8o4N8EkI9
— Jessica Smetana (@jessica_smetana) November 11, 2022
WHAT A QUALIFYING! WELL DONE, @KevinMagnussen! Brazil will be forever in your heart now! https://t.co/OXAoGhs0jO
— Felipe Lobo (@felipelobo) November 11, 2022
What a quali. Absolutely incredible. https://t.co/KQ4vsQsvE3
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) November 11, 2022
Magnussen came into the weekend in 13th place in the drivers’ standings (24 points) while Haas is in eighth place (36 points) in the constructors’ championship. If Magnussen remains competitive this weekend, expect them both to rise up those rankings.
