Kevin Magnussen reckons Haas has already fared well to improve on a “very impressive” maiden campaign in the sport, off the back of its early 2017 results.
Haas has secured five top 10 finishes so far this year – matching its tally from the whole of 2016 – and achieved another milestone with its first double points finish in Monaco last month.
Magnussen, who has contributed five points to Haas’ current tally of 15, believes the progress has been encouraging.
“The first season for the team was very impressive,” said Magnussen.
“They delivered some good results. The second season was always going to be difficult to improve on, but actually I think we’re on our way to doing that.
“We’ve been in the points in the same number of races this year than all of last year, so it’s already going well in terms of taking a step forward.
“That was our main target – to at least improve on last year and make a step forward.”
Magnussen also enthused at the close nature of Formula 1’s midfield battle in 2017, in which Haas occupies eighth position, just 14 points down on fifth-placed Toro Rosso.
“It's just that it’s so close, even the smallest mistake can cost you a lot,” he explained.
“That’s how racing should be. It’s how it’s always been before Formula 1 in all the other categories I’ve done.
“It’s kind of really cool that it’s back to real racing again.”
