Ron Dennis slapped with red card by... David Beckham!

Sporting tycoons and socialites Ron Dennis and David Beckham went head to head over the New Years' when the latter chastised the former for stepping on his turf at a luxury resort in Maldives.

According to the Daily Mail, the row was apparently over who was entitled to the best seats and table at a New Year's show at the One & Only Reethi Rah where several celebrities were in attendance.

Dennis, flanked by a 'modest' entourage of about 30 people, claimed ownership of the seats to watch the entertainment close up but was confronted by a female member of the Beckham group who pointed out that some of the coveted seats were reserved for the footballers own group of friends.

Dennis allegedly dismissed the claims only for Beckham to tell the former McLaren chairman face-to-face what he thought about his attitude in no uncertain terms.

In the end, the acrimonious dispute was solved and Ron Dennis apologized the next day for his ungentlemanly conduct.

"It's fair to say voices were raised but it was all a storm in a teacup," said a friend of Ron Dennis. "They have known each other for ages and it was all blown over by the next day."

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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.