Magnussen has stability at Haas, and hopes to keep it for 2019

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For the first time in his career, Kevin Magnussen is enjoying a sense of stability in his life thanks to a two-year stint with Haas which he hopes will be extended for 2019.

So far, the Dane has capitalized nicely on the qualities of his 2018 Haas VF-18, performing towards the top of the mid-field and having been arguably quicker than team mate Romain Grosjean.

Magnussen feels confident in a current racing context void of any negative pressure.

Magnussen 'proud' of Haas and points-scoring finish

"I think I've always had confidence," Magnussen told BT newspaper. "The difference is that I'm always been much more pressured.

"I was super-pressured at McLaren and it was the same at Renault because the car was so bad. Now I'm in a very good place in my career with a team that supports me 100 per cent," he added.

But 25-year-old also underscores the importance of having stability in his career.

"It's actually the first time in my entire career - even outside of Formula 1 - that I've been at the same team for two consecutive years. And it's only now that it really occurs to me how important that is."

Magnussen has therefore staked a strong claim on a Haas seat for 2019.

"There is not much to say about my contract," he said. "They have an option on me, and I hope they use it."

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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.