Haas: a good sign when Grosjean isn't complaining

Gene Haas, the founder of the eponymous F1 outfit, is happy with what he's seen so far from the team's new spec VF17.

While Kevin Magnussen's debut with the US team in Australia was nothing to write home about, team mate Romain Grosjean provided a glimpse of Haas' potential with a scintillating 'best of the rest' 6th place performance in qualifying.

Many suggested the US squad would struggle in its second F1 season, but although the mid-field pack is tremendously close, Haas appears to be in the upper half based on its current level of performance.

"Two seconds behind the top are five teams within half a second," Gene Haas told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

The team's owner is satisfied, and considers that overall, the Ferrari-powered VF17 is a good design.

"It is a car without weaknesses and a very strong engine. And Grosjean complained less about the car than usual in Melbourne. That's a good sign," Haas smiled.

Grosjean aiming to uphold China track record

On the future of his team, the 64-year-old businessman insists he is delighted with its current sub-contracting arrangement with Dallara and Ferrari, and happy to keep things small in the future.

"We do not want to become too big," he said. "Size means bureaucracy."

And as for goals for 2017, Haas revealed: "We want to be at the front end of the midfield and score regularly.

"Realistically the first six places are filled by Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull. Behind them is the race for seventh to tenth places."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.