Magnussen: Grosjean faster than Button

Kevin Magnussen believes that Jenson Button has the entire package to remain the best team-mate he has ever had in Formula 1, but there is no doubt in his mind that Romain Grosjean is a faster driver than the 2009 world champion.

The 2019 F1 grid has experienced a major shake-up with nearly every team making at least one driver change, but Haas has opted for consistency rather than chance, with Magnussen and Grosjean set to partner each other again after a productive 2018 in which the team finished fifth in the constructor's championship.

Magnussen, commenting on his chemistry with Grosjean, reckons Button, who was previously a team-mate at McLaren, has the upper-hand in that department, but believes the 32-year-old is quicker.

"If you look at the whole package - human, chemistry, laptimes and so on - Jenson is the best teammate I've had. But there is no doubt that Romain is faster than Jenson," Magnussen told BT newspaper.

"On one lap, Romain is exceptionally fast when it all goes well for him.

Grosjean's performances suffered in the first half of the campaign while Magnussen found consistency, but after the car was updated their fortunes switched which arguably saved the former's position within the team.

First day of 2019, first gym session ???? pic.twitter.com/lWSnOYHbIL — Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) January 1, 2019

It is Magnussen's opinion that his form did not drop, but that Grosjean got back to the high level he is used to performing at.

"Romain came back after a difficult period and it might have seemed like I took a step backwards. But that was not the case. He had just returned to his highest level," the Dane continued.

"It is clear that with the update, Romain got a car that suited him very well. Overall it was better, but unlike Romain I could drive the old one too."

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