Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and team boss Guenther Steiner have hit out at Formula 1’s fuel regulations, in the wake of the Dane’s exclusion from the United States Grand Prix.
Magnussen made gains on Haas’ home territory at the Circuit of the Americas to classify in ninth position, but was placed under investigation for allegedly having exceeded the 105kg fuel limit.
Stewards subsequently disqualified Magnussen once the transgression was confirmed, with Magnussen – who revealed he had used just 0.1kg too much – expressing frustration at the situation.
“The car was very good, we had good pace and I was able to put pressure on the Force Indias,” said Magnussen.
“I passed [Sergio] Perez just after the pit stop and I was faster than [Esteban] Ocon, but I had to save so much fuel that I couldn’t afford to attack him.
“It’s a shame that we have fuel saving in Formula 1 and not being able to attack.
“At the end of the day, what the fans want to see is great racing. We can’t do it because we have to save fuel. It’s disappointing.”
Steiner added: “In the end, that’s our responsibility to control the fuel amount, but I still disagree with Formula 1 having to run on these rules.
“I hope next year, with having 110 kilograms, this will change, but we change another rule and put a big front wing on, so maybe this will be the same.
“One day we’ll get to have a good show, but at the moment it isn’t.”
Magnussen’s disqualification compounded a wretched day for Haas at its home event.
Romain Grosjean started from eighth place but retired in the wake of a collision with Charles Leclerc on the opening lap.
Grosjean was issued with a grid penalty for this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix after being deemed culpable, and was also handed another penalty point, bringing his total to 10.
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