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.

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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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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.