Haas’ Last Place 2021 Finish Miraculously Helped Kevin Magnussen Get Pole Over Dominant Max Verstappen

The qualifying in Brazil saw a bizarre outcome, one that no one had expected. Haas’ Kevin Magnussen took the pole position as once again the rain changed the fate of many. To his credit, the Dane was quick throughout the three sessions but there was an unusual factor that played to his advantage.

The qualifying at the Brazilian GP was a chaotic affair aided by rain. As Q1 started, certain parts of the track were dry while others were damp. The situation was always going to be tricky as everyone came out on intermediate tires, only to change them for the soft compound.

Formula 1 journalist unveils the odd factor that played Kevin Magnussen

Each team’s garage position in the pit lane is decided on the basis of where they finished last season. Haas failed to score any points last season and finished last in the constructors’ standings. Resultantly, they have the first garage from the pit lane exit. That played out well for the team during Friday’s qualifying.

Formula 1 journalist Peter Windsor in his qualifying analysis said, “Haas in a great position as ever in the pit lane, as a result of where they finished in the championship last year, able to get their car right out in front of everybody else.”

“And that, a little bit told the story because the rain started to fall. Everybody knew there was only going to be one lap on the soft slick tire. And it was Kevin who put it together absolutely without a fault.”

Windsor continued, “If there was anyone who could beat him that was Max Verstappen. Max not brilliantly happy with the Red Bull all day in terms of its slow corner turn-in.”

Read More: “Is That Glock?”: Fans Travel Back to Painful 2008 Brazilian GP as Felipe Massa Reunites With the Maker of His F1 Fate

While certain factors did play into Haas’ hands, they nevertheless had to put everything else together to come out on top.

Guenther Steiner wary of pinning Friday’s success on “luck”

Haas boss Guenther Steiner was elated after the qualifying results. Speaking post-qualifying, he rated it the best moment of his F1 career.

“You’re scared to dream about it I think. We’re trying hard. The whole team is trying hard since 7 years and then circumstances let us pull this one off,” he said.

Guenther added, “I think it was not luck. It was well deserved from the driver, from the team, being on the same tire, the right tires at the right time, Kevin putting the lap down when it was needed.”

Watch This Story: Rich History of F1 races in Las Vegas Throughout the Years

Steiner kept his hopes in check as he expressed his reservations about winning the race. He, however, said if they do manage to win, it will be a welcomed one.