McLaren F1 team says Kevin Magnussen doesn't need to change style
Kevin Magnussen has been urged not to change his approach to racing, despite being handed his second consecutive Formula 1 driving penalty at the Italian Grand Prix
Two weeks after losing points at Spa for forcing Fernando Alonso off the track, Magnussen was dropped down the order at Monza for pushing Valtteri Bottas off at the first chicane.
Although those two incidents have proved costly for McLaren with it locked in a tight battle with Force India in the constructors' championship, its racing director Eric Boullier is adamant his driver should maintain his aggressive approach.
"I think the Spa penalty was deserved to be honest, but I believe not the one in Monza," said Boullier, during a McLaren media teleconference on Tuesday.
"He was unfortunate to be penalised. We believe it was just a normal move and a legitimate defence.
"I don't think he will have to change his approach. Spa was a one off, Monza for us was I would say unfortunate.
"I think he needs to keep building up his confidence by doing what he is doing."
PUNCHING ABOVE HIS WEIGHT
McLaren believes Magnussen has only been forced to be so defensive in recent races because he has managed to get his car into situations where he is ahead of quicker cars.
Boullier has nothing but praise for the way that the Dane is lifting his form at the moment, and he thinks the best is yet to come.
"It is clear that he is stepping up," he said. "He is maybe punching above his weight because he doesn't have the car to chase the better results.
"But he is trying his best, and it is good for him, good for the fans and the show to see this young kid, this young rookie, fighting with the big boys.
"It means his self-confidence is massively growing and it is good for his race craft, which is going to get better and better."
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