Magnussen reflects on unrealistic ambitions as F1 rookie

Kevin Magnussen has revealed he "wasn't focused on the right things" when he came into F1.

The Danish driver shares that he was "only focused on winning", something he feels was a "bad trait" for him, given where McLaren was at the time.

The 31-year-old took an impressive podium on debut at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix. After finishing third on the road, he was elevated to second after Daniel Ricciardo's disqualification.

With team-mate Jenson Button coming home just behind him, it may have warped Magnussen's expectations. It would prove to be their only trips to the rostrum all season.

McLaren had failed to win in 2013, as well, but that did not prevent the young Dane from adopting a singular focus on winning - something he realises was a mistake with hindsight.

"I don't think you can be too hungry," Magnussen tells select media including RacingNews365 when asked if he was too hungry as a rookie in F1. "But it's more the expectations - you're not realistic.

"I wasn't focused on the right things. I was focused on just getting my first win, because my first race was a podium, and I just needed to win. Win, win, win - and I was only focused on winning."

'You would be looked at as a loser...'

Claiming a podium finish in the 2014 cannot be called a fluke result, given Button came home in fourth on four occasions over the rest of the campaign.

However, the best Magnussen could achieve over the remainder of his rookie year was fifth, in Russia, despite consistent points finishes.

The result in Melbourne would prove to be the only top three finish of his career. Now, without a seat for 2025, it looks unlikely Magnussen will be able to add to his sole podium over what could be the final 10 rounds of his F1 career.

Whilst he does not believe his mindset from his maiden campaign is inherently a "bad thing", with experience Magnussen has grown to understand the nuance of F1, where it will serve you well to "accept your situation."

And, since 2014, the Danish driver he has not found himself in a car capable of achieving podiums or wins - at least outside of fluke results.

"I don't think that's a bad thing in a young athlete," he explains. "It's kind of like one of the ingredients that has to be there.

"But, at the same time, it was a bad trait in the situation I was in, and I think Formula 1 is unique in that regard.

"It's the only sport where it will do you good to accept your situation. If you can't win, you just can't win, and you have to do the best you can with the car you have. 

"There's no other sports like that. You would be looked at as a loser if you said: 'No, I'm not expected to win'. It's very unique in that way."