F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Magnussen wants to show his mettle against F1's best

Haas' Kevin Magnussen would love to be able to challenge on a regular basis the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton and prove to himself that he can race with the best.

Magnussen concluded his Italian Grand Prix last weekend at Monza well down the order as the last driver to cross the checkered flag.

But for a handful of laps in the early stages of the race, the Dane battled with Hamilton as the seven-time world champion carved his way through the field in the wake of his back-row start.

It was the second time this season that the Haas driver fought against the Mercedes star, having fended off the latter in Austria earlier this summer in Saturday's sprint qualifying race.

"I like the challenge of racing against Hamilton, Verstappen or Charles Leclerc because I think I can handle that," Magnussen told the media at Monza.

"It's just that I probably never get a chance to prove to myself whether I can do it or not.

"I don't think there are many drivers who are better than Max or Lewis. But there are drivers who are at their level, and I would like to find out if I am right at their level."

©Haas

Magnussen was full of praise for Verstappen's achievements this season and his remarkable tally so far of 11 wins in 16 races.

"The combination of Max and his car are on a different level," he said. "I don't think anyone can do what he's doing at the moment, it shows."

Magnussen, who returned to F1 and to Haas this season after a year away from the sport which he spent racing in the US, enjoyed a strong start to his 2022 campaign, the 29-year-old scoring points in three of the first four races.

But Haas' performance decreased thereafter and since, the Dane has only put points on the board Silverstone and at Spielberg.

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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.

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