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

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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".

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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."

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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.