Magnussen vows to 'push the boundaries', shut out criticism

©Haas

Kevin Magnussen is often on the receiving end of his rivals criticism for his uncompromising approach to his driving, but the Dane admits he just blocks out the noise.

In the past few seasons, the Haas driver has ruffled the feathers of many of his midfield rivals who view Magnussen's defensive driving hard-line and sometimes outright dangerous.

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly branded Magnussen as "the most dangerous driver on the grid" after a wheel-to-wheel scrap in Azerbaijan earlier this year.

In Japan, it was Charles Leclerc's turn to have a run-in with the Dane following an aggressive chop by the latter as the two men barreled down Suzuka's main straight.

Magnussen was penalized by the stewards in the first instance but escaped sanction two weeks ago, although F1 race director Charlie Whiting has since admitted that the Dane's move on Leclerc came too late.

Despite the controversy, the 26-year-old has no intention of changing his attitude or backing down.

"I do what feels normal and natural to me," he told Ekstra Bladet in Austin.

"I try to push the boundaries in all areas. In the garage, on the track, in my training. I do not want to be someone who is easily overtaken, and I'll never be."

Perhaps for the better, Magnussen shies away from reading the headlines he generates.

"I know the situation, but a long time ago I decided it makes no sense to read all the comments and opinions."

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