Haas opportunity no lesser than Renault - Magnussen

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Kevin Magnussen believes his move to Haas provides him with just as much opportunity to succeed than a drive with Renault had he remained with the French team.

Renault ultimately wanted to keep the Dane under its banner, but the one year contract was trumped by Haas' multi-year deal.

Pundits were surprised by Magnussen's decision to turn his back on a full works drive to join a less experienced outfit, but the Dane argues that Haas' environment and potential are on an equal level to that of Renault when it comes to becoming a Grand Prix winner.

"My contract with Haas is not five years, and who knows what Haas can do?,' Mahnussen told Motorsport.com.

"And then after that the opportunities are… there are no limits. It’s up to me really. I haven’t put myself in a situation where it would take longer. It’s the opposite.

"I could have stayed [at Renault] and hopefully stayed until they win the world championship, but there is no guarantee they are going to win the world championship.

"I think it’s going to take some years before they will be able to fight for it. So I don’t think it’s longer."

Hulkenberg arriving at the right time for Renault - Bell

While Haas spent most of its maiden F1 season learning the ropes and fighting off small problems, the US outfit, which started early on the design of its 2017 challenger, is now ready to move its performance level up a notch, according to Magnussen.

"Next year will be their second year. They will have learned more. They focused on 2017 quite early.

"They’ve said it in the media as well, that they actually had their main focus on 2017, even before their first race. That’s enough."

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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.