Magnussen unfazed by latest rumors - discards social media

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Kevin Magnussen is oblivious to F1's latest rumors involving the Haas driver who now shields himself from social media.

Magnussen is reportedly under pressure from Haas' technical partner Ferrari who would apparently like to see the 25-year-old replaced next year in the US outfit by Scuderia junior Antonio Giovinazzi.

That scenario is an unlikely possibility however given the Dane's solid contract with Haas for 2018.

Magnussen, who has found himself involved in a few spats with some of his fellow competitors this season (think Nico Hulkenberg in Hungary), is perceived as F1's 'bad boy' because of his often overly-aggressive approach out on the race track.

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But he believes his interests are better served by tuning out the talk, rumors and criticism.

"One thing I stopped a while ago is looking at social media," the 25-year-old told Ekstra Bladet newspaper.

"It has helped a lot. I don't care what people say about me. If someone says something negative, journalists tell me anyway but I'm not actually bothered.

"Of course, it's not my goal to be unpopular, but to get results sometimes you have to put your elbows out a bit."

Magnussen says F1 isn't a popularity contest.

"I don't want to be the most popular among the other drivers," he insisted.

"What matters to me is the results and what the stewards say. And this year I've only got one penalty because of my driving, and that means I'm not so bad.

"In the paddock I have friends, but not among the drivers. But it would never work anyway, so I don't mind."

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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.