Formula 1 legend Sir Stirling Moss has hailed Kevin Magnussen for being a "refreshingly different" driver on today's grid.

The 86-year-old, widely regarded as the best driver never to have won the title, made the comments after a recent meeting in his home with the Danish racer.

According to Danish newspaper BT, the meeting was facilitated by Matt Bishop, the communications boss at Magnussen's old team McLaren and still a friend today.

"I knew that Matt knew Sir Stirling so I asked if he could get me an autograph," Magnussen, who now drives for Renault, said.

"But Matt said 'Let's visit him'. We were invited to lunch with Sir Stirling and Lady Susie in their house in Mayfair and it was overwhelming to meet him. He is such a legend."

Moss, who won 16 grands prix before his retirement in 1961, said that he also enjoyed meeting Magnussen and showing him his old racing scrapbooks.

"He is a nice young man and was really very interested in hearing about my career. On that point, he is refreshingly different from most young Formula 1 drivers - it seems that Kevin really understands how important the sport's history is.

"I am really pleased that he got the chance at Renault and I'm sure he will do very well."

Magnussen, 23, sits 15th in the driver rankings ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix.