Magnussen in disagreement with F1 stewards

Kevin Magnussen has asserted that his costly penalties at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were “harsh”.

Magnussen picked up two 10-second time penalties, the first of which was issued after making contact with Alex Albon at Turn 4.

The stewards also opted to issue Magnussen with three penalty points on his Super Licence for the collision.

Magnussen soon after overtook Yuki Tsunoda but did so by placing all four wheels over the white lines in order to gain track position.

After moving ahead of Tsunoda, Haas used Magnussen's track position to hold up several cars, allowing teammate Nico Hulkenberg to make a pit stop and reemerge in 10th place to bag the squad's first point of the year.

Yuki Tsunoda insisted that the strategy deployed by the team was “unfair” but commended Magnussen for his resilient drive.

Magnussen declares penalties were 'harsh'

Magnussen asserted that he was disappointed with himself for picking up the duo of penalties.

“The first one, we had contact with Albon, I didn't mean to but they gave a penalty for that,” Magnussen told media including RacingNews365. “Fair enough.

“The second one, I overtook Tsunoda and went outside the track. Rules are rules, I'm not happy with myself getting those two penalties.

“At least I was able to help the team to create a gap so Nico could pit and get a point.

“So we showed a good pace today and good teamwork, so at least that's some really good positives to bring forward.”

Magnussen was the first driver to be a victim of the stewards' stricter punishments this year, who have opted to increase the punishment for track limit breaches from five seconds to 10 seconds.

“I tried to keep it within the white lines and I didn't succeed,” reflected Magnussen.

“At the end of the day, it is what it is. I need to do a better job and avoid those penalties.

“I don't usually get too many of them but today I got two. That's not a good day on that front. It’s a bit harsh, but we’ll look at it and see.”