Romain Grosjean has reiterated his belief that Haas’ VF-19 is Formula 1’s fastest midfield car, in spite of the team’s placing in the Constructors’ Championship.
Haas has regularly excelled in qualifying this year, securing the ‘best of the rest’ on Saturday on four occasions, but has struggled to convert that performance in race trim.
Haas endured tyre-related woes in Bahrain, China and Azerbaijan, while pitting early in Monaco wrecked Kevin Magnussen’s strategy, with the Dane dropping out of the top 10 having started fifth.
“Now we’ve got a clear idea of what we need to do in terms of tyres,” Grosjean asserted.
“We’ve been working really hard, so we know exactly where the window is. Now the question is how to bring the tyres into that window. I think we’re getting better and better at that.
“Things should get a bit smoother, and I still believe we’ve got the fourth-fastest car on the track.”
Just four points covers fifth-placed Racing Point from ninth-placed Alfa Romeo – with Haas sixth in the standings – while McLaren has inched slightly clear in recent grands prix.
“The midfield this year is super, super tight,” said Grosjean.
“Three-tenths of a second in qualifying can put you in P6 or P7 or even P15. It’s very exciting. It’s a good challenge for the drivers. You’re pushing to the limit all the time.
“I think it would be nice if you were fighting for the win, or for pole position, but obviously the big teams are a bit too far ahead.
“We’ve got the potential of getting fourth place, but we need to put everything together, stop the small mistakes, and get those points going. I’m looking forward to being in Canada.”
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