Magnussen and manager head to court

Kevin Magnussen and his former manager have failed to resolve a dispute amicably, and the two parties will now see each other in a court of law.

The Dane reportedly split with his business manager Dorte Riis Madsen when he lost his McLaren seat after a single season at the end of the 2014.

After a sabbatical year away from F1, Magnussen negotiated his return to the sport with Renault on his own, and was then assisted by billionaire sponsor Anders Holch Povlsen as he put together his current multi-year Haas deal.

Now, Ekstra Bladet newspaper says a court battle with Riis Madsen will begin on June 1.

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The case will be heard in Copenhagen, with Magnussen's former manager claiming damages for the driver's current and future income over breach of contract.

"Attempts at an out of court settlement have failed," the Danish newspaper claimed.

Former Danish racing driver Jason Watt said disputes over long-term contracts in motor racing are nothing new.

"Contract lengths of 10-15 years are not unusual," he said.

"A manager puts in money to build a career and it may take years before there is a return."

Neither Magnussen nor Riis Madsen would offer any comment on the pending litigation case.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.