Haas to Renault: Don't diss Magnussen!

Kevin Magnussen

40

Haas boss Guenther Steiner has come out in defense of new recruit Kevin Magnussen whom Renault took aim at earlier this week.

In an interview with French publication Auto Hebdo, Renault's Abiteboul said he had been disappointed by the Danish driver in 2016, criticizing Magnussen for his lack of commitment and discipline.

But Guenther Steiner was quick to dismiss the remarks, and reiterated Haas' satisfaction with its choice of Magnussen to race alongside Romain Grosjean at the US squad.

"Kevin is a respected race car driver, and I must emphasise that," Steiner told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet.

"We are all looking forward to working with him."

Renault's Abiteboul takes aim at MagnussenThe Danish press also defended its countryman, with BT correspondent Peter Nygaard speculating that Abiteboul may be angry with Magnussen for other reasons.
"If Abiteboul is upset about Kevin suggesting that the Renault management were not singing from the same song sheet, that's ridiculous.

"Because it's precisely for that reason that Frederic Vasseur has left the team," he said.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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.