F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Magnussen no friend of Hulkenberg, but 'respects' his talent

Kevin Magnussen admits he isn't friends with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg, but insists he greatly respects his opponent's talent and driving performance.

Magnussen and Hulkenberg have had their run-ins on and off the track in the past, with a well-publicized post-race spat at the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix showcasing their mutual unfriendliness.

The incident involved Hulkenberg mocking the Dane in the media pen after their clash in the race, the German congratulating the Haas charger for being "the most unsporting driver on the grid", to which the Dane responded with a rather crude "suck my balls mate".

Two years on, as F1's silly season unfolds, rumors are potentially placing Hulkenberg at Haas in 2020, in Romain Grosjean's seat and alongside Magnussen.

"We are opponents on the track and we are not friends," Magnussen told Auto Motor und Sport.

"Of course I have a lot of respect for his driving performance. He is very talented and a complete driver. I really have nothing against him.

"This whole episode and the fact that it is still being asked today shows what’s wrong with the media. I understand why, of course."

With water having run under the bridge since 2017, Magnussen insists Hulkenberg and himself have both moved on since their Hungarian flare-up.

"People click on those stories, but if I wasn’t recorded by cameras then, then Nico and I wouldn’t even think about it today," Magnussen added.

"It was completely overrated. Ultimately, I have great respect for Nico and I personally have nothing against him.

"As a person, I don’t know him, but I have never heard anyone talk badly about him."

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.

Recent Posts

Marko: ‘No chance at all’ for Red Bull in Las Vegas

Helmut Marko believes that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are unlikely to challenge for victory…

2 hours ago

GM revives bid to join F1 with accelerated talks for 2026 entry

Automotive giant General Motors is reportedly back in the game as a potential entrant in…

4 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

5 hours ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

6 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

8 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

9 hours ago