Revealed: McLaren’s ‘Crazy and Disrespectful’ Lewis Hamilton Order to Magnussen Sparks Outrage in F1 Paddock

In a shocking revelation that has ignited fresh controversy in the Formula 1 paddock, former Haas driver Kevin Magnussen has exposed a moment of behind-the-scenes tension involving Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren team—an incident he now dyescribes as “crazy and disrespectful.”

The revelation, made during a candid interview with a Danish media outlet, centers around an incident that occurred during Magnussen’s short-lived stint at McLaren in 2014. According to Magnussen, then-rookie and test driver for the British outfit, he was given a direct order by McLaren’s management that left him stunned: yield track position at all costs to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton—then racing for Mercedes—if they were ever to meet on track, even in test sessions.

“I was told not to fight Hamilton,” Magnussen revealed. “Even if it was just testing, I was told he had priority no matter what. It wasn’t even subtle. It was crazy and, frankly, disrespectful—not just to me but to the entire concept of competition.”

Magnussen’s comments have sent shockwaves through the F1 community, with many questioning whether McLaren, in its desperation to maintain favorable relationships with top drivers and teams, may have overstepped ethical boundaries.

A Power Play in the Shadows?

The order, according to Magnussen, came during his time as a reserve and eventual race driver, when McLaren was undergoing turbulent internal changes, including management shake-ups and uncertain engine partnerships.

“It was made clear that there were politics involved,” he said. “I was just a young guy trying to prove myself, and suddenly I’m being told not to challenge one of the greatest drivers in history—even when I had pace.”

While Magnussen did not specify the exact date of the incident, insiders suggest it may have occurred during the 2014 pre-season or in mid-season test sessions. At the time, Lewis Hamilton was with Mercedes, and while McLaren and Mercedes had officially split after the 2014 season, longstanding ties between the two teams remained, particularly in the realm of power units and technical cooperation.

Hamilton Unaware?

So far, neither Lewis Hamilton nor McLaren have publicly responded to the claims. However, sources close to Hamilton suggest the British legend may have been entirely unaware of the directive.

“Lewis doesn’t involve himself in team politics when it comes to other drivers,” said a former Mercedes team member. “He’s focused on winning. If McLaren issued those orders, it was their own internal drama.”

Nevertheless, the optics are controversial. If true, the order undermines the spirit of fair competition, even during test sessions where drivers are meant to showcase their potential without interference.

Backlash and Reaction

Fans and commentators have reacted strongly on social media. Some have blasted McLaren for favoring high-profile drivers at the expense of young talent. Others, however, argue that teams often manage internal and external relationships in pragmatic—even if controversial—ways.

Sky Sports analyst and former F1 driver Martin Brundle weighed in, saying: “If Kevin’s story is accurate, it’s troubling. Young drivers need room to grow, and orders like that can kill confidence. But I also know how politically complex this sport can be behind the scenes.”

Magnussen’s revelation adds yet another layer to the complex web of team politics in Formula 1, raising fresh questions about how teams treat emerging drivers—and whether some are sacrificed to protect the interests of more powerful figures in the sport.

A Pattern of Silencing?

This isn’t the first time Magnussen has spoken out about internal frustrations during his F1 career. Known for his outspokenness, the Danish driver has often clashed with team management over what he calls “double standards” and “unspoken rules” favoring more established stars.

“I’ve always respected Lewis,” Magnussen said. “He’s one of the greatest ever. But what happened back then showed me how little respect I was given. It’s not personal against him—it’s about how young drivers are treated.”

As the 2025 F1 season charges ahead, the story serves as a sobering reminder that while the sport dazzles with speed and glamour on the surface, power dynamics and quiet allegiances continue to shape the careers of those battling to survive in the world’s most competitive racing series.

Will McLaren respond to the allegations? And how will Lewis Hamilton address this uncomfortable blast from the past?