Grosjean: Haas no longer just trying to survive in F1 

Romain Grosjean believes Haas’ performance in Australia was a significant turning point in the team’s history, insisting it is no longer “just trying to survive” in Formula 1.

Haas made an impressive start to the new campaign as Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean locked out the third row on the grid in Melbourne and held fourth and fifth respectively during the race, before issues in the pit stops forced both drivers into retirement. 

Despite losing a potential double-top-five finish in the 2018 season-opener, Grosjean is confident the American squad will be able to continue its head-turning pace in Bahrain, adding he does not think its Melbourne performance will prove to be a one-off. 

“We’ve got a very good baseline and we know already where we can improve the car, we’re working on that.” he said. “It’s exciting to see that we focus on getting some good performance from the car, rather than just trying to survive or be at the back. 

“I think we’re in a good place. We can’t wait to get back racing.”

The Frenchman is targeting a strong result in the Bahrain Grand Prix in order to help Haas move on from the disappointing end to its race in Australia. 

“A good result will help us to forget Australia. Let’s get to Bahrain, let’s do our work, like we did in Australia, focus on our jobs and see where we are at the end. Hopefully, we can have another good surprise.

“It’s a team sport, and I believe my team has always been there for me when I needed them,” he added. “Everything is pushed to its maximum –the driving, the engineering and the pit stops. 

“Mistakes can happen. We’re a team, and I was happy to be there for my boys, as I know they’re happy to be there for me when I need them to be.”