KEVIN MAGNUSSEN

All countries need sporting heroes, people whom the man in the street can look up to and take inspiration from. Denmark has done well in recent years from its teams; the 1992 football team and the men's and women's handball teams. However, it has lacked true international sporting giants. Caroline Wozniacki flattered to deceive for a while, becoming the world's number one tennis player without really winning anything. But she has plummeted down the rankings in the past year, and seems to be spending ever more time with her boyfriend.

All of which helps to explain the hysteria surrounding Kevin Magnussen. The son of a moderately successful sports car racer, Jan Magnussen, Kevin has been groomed for a career in Formula 1 since before he started wearing long trousers. And this year he made it, taking the second seat alongside Jenson Button at McLaren.

A third place in his first grand prix in Australia, later upgraded to second after David Ricciardo was disqualified, had Danish commentators going bananas with thoughts of the world title. Magnussen is a talented driver; but he is still a rookie, with lots to learn. The hype over him says more about the lack of alternatives than about his true talent.  

Walter Blotscher