Jan Magnussen proud to see his son now 'established' in F1

Former F1 driver Jan Magnussen is happy to see his son Kevin now firmly established among motorsport's elite.

The Haas driver will head into his third season with the US outfit in 2019, having finished ninth in the drivers' standings this year and outscoring team mate Romain Grosjean.

In the eyes of his proud father, Magnussen jr. has done well in the past few seasons, building his reputation as a solid and reliable mid-field runner.

Clashes haven't reduced Magnussen's 'big respect' for Alonso

"I'm so proud," Jan told the Danish newspaper BT.

"What I'm most pleased about is that he established himself in Formula 1 and people respect him. It's nice to see," he added.

However, Kevin Magnussen's respect for others has sometimes been called into question by those - like Fernando Alonso - who have found themselves on the receiving end of the Dane's defensive tactics out on the race track.

The Haas driver's father says his son is unfazed by the criticism.

"Everything is more relaxed about him, and Kevin has made a name for himself in the paddock where he is very well liked," he said.

"Fernando Alonso may not like him, but I don't worry about that," Jan added.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.