The story behind Kevin Magnussen's arm tattoo

©WRI2

Like many of his fellow drivers, Kevin Magnussen sports a tattoo, in this case a lavish work of art spread over his right arm.

Drivers choose from a vast array of symbols and stigmas to reflect whatever notions or beliefs they value.

Stars, playing cards, dice, a stopwatch, roses and the inscription 'Viva la Vida' form the creative fresco inked on his skin.

We could probably come up with a few references, but it's better left to the Haas driver to explain himself what it all means.

"Everything together has a meaning: hope, belief and love," he told the official F1 website.

"For us Danish, it is a way to live, probably like sisu for the Finnish. I changed that a bit to my situation: The dice are hope, the stopwatch, of course, is time, or belief that I will make it, and the roses symbolize love."

Haas F1 Team boss Guenther Steiner chose to focus on the writing however when asked about his driver's tattoo.

"Viva la vida," Steiner said. "He’s from Denmark, the happiest country in the world, so you know, that is viva la vida! That is the answer. "

Guenther, have you ever heard of Coldplay?

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.