Gene Haas reckons his eponymous outfit can move up the order in Formula 1 this season though is wary that its second campaign in the category could prove “just as challenging” as its first.
Haas made its debut in Formula 1 last year and caused a surprise by collecting 18 points from its opening two Grands Prix, as it vaulted up to fifth in the standings.
Only 11 points followed across the remaining events, all scored by Romain Grosjean, as Haas slipped to eighth, albeit still ahead of Renault, Sauber and Manor.
Haas, though, is confident that his team can deliver stronger results in its second season in the sport.
“If we can do a little bit better because our business model in Formula 1 allows us to operate more efficiently, we might be able to move up a position or two,” said Haas.
“On the plus side, we’re not trying to put the whole pit crew together. We don’t have to worry about getting trucks and other infrastructure. We have all that in place.
“The negative side is that there’s less time to do all these things again and there are a lot of rule changes, so you have to be prepared.
“On the other hand, we have stronger relationships with a lot of our suppliers, so that should make it easier. It’s kind of give and take. It’ll be just as challenging as it was last year, but I think with the knowledge we have, we should actually perform a little bit better this year.”
Haas recruited Esteban Gutiérrez to partner Grosjean in 2016 but the Mexican has been dropped after failing to score a point, with former Renault driver Kevin Magnussen employed in his favour.
“Well, Magnussen was actually one of our original candidates,” Haas explained.
“We talked to Magnussen and thoroughly went through his racing resume and we were very impressed.
“Near the end of the season, we asked Kevin if he might be available and he said he was.
“On the second to last race weekend of the season, we made our decision and brought him to Haas.”
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