Formula 1: Kevin Magnussen on Nico Hulkenberg relationship: We are not friends

Kevin Magnussen

Magnussen on Hulkenberg relationship: We are not friends

We could probably have guessed that...

Martin Macdonald

Sunday 18 August 2019 16:00

Kevin Magnussen admits that he and Nico Hulkenberg are “not friends” away from the Formula 1 grid, but that he appreciates and respects the level of talent in the Renault man.

The pair have had their fair share of run-ins in the past, most famously after the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix when Hulkenberg described Magnussen as "the most unsporting driver on the grid".

Magnussen’s response was "suck my balls mate" as they took questions from the media after the race.

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Two years on, the Dane says the relationship will likely never become friendship, but that any previous spats have been exaggerated.

"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."

Magnussen went on to say that he believes water is under the bridge in the argument, and that the only reason it became such a big story is because the cameras were rolling.

"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," the Haas driver 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."