Haas is heading into the new Formula 1 season with a “cautiously optimistic” attitude, according to team boss Guenther Steiner.
Haas, Formula 1’s newest entrant, is entering its third year in the championship, having classified eighth in its previous seasons, improving its year-on-year points tally in the process.
Haas caught the eye during pre-season testing in Barcelona, setting competitive lap times, prompting many in the paddock to identify the operation as a strong midfield contender.
The team has also performed well in Australia in both its prior campaigns, with Romain Grosjean taking sixth on its debut in 2016, a result he repeated during qualifying 12 months ago before retiring in the race.
“I would say we’ll know the potential of the car after qualifying in Australia,” said Steiner.
“After the test, we can say we’re in the midfield, and hopefully in the top half of the midfield. I think we are cautiously optimistic.
“I would say the guys did a very good job on aero and design to get a car that is better balanced than the 2017 car. Then again, we’ll only see in Australia how it stacks up against the other cars.”
Grosjean, who has been with Haas since the team’s inception, believes its VF-18 is the “best car” it has produced during its three-year existence.
“I think for 2018, we’ve prepared very well, and early on, I’m hoping we’ve done a great job,” he said.
“Obviously, we’re going to see from the first races where we are, then try and keep up the development.
“The VF-18 has a very good baseline. The feeling I get in the car is very good, which is the main thing. It’s a good-looking car. We know where we can update it and try to get more performance from it. We’re going to work on that.
“I think it’s the best car we’ve had so far for Haas.”
