Haas drivers Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen have admitted leading Formula 1’s midfield remains the most likely ambition for the team this season.
On Thursday, the American outfit became the first to reveal their 2019 livery, a striking black and gold design, with their new title sponsor Rich Energy targeting market rivals Red Bull.
However, neither driver believes catching one of F1’s leading trio is a particularly realistic target.
I think the top three teams are going to still be at the front because of their resources,” Grosjean said at the launch event in London.
“The midfield could be quite tight, and it’s exciting to be in the fight, but we will be fighting for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
“It’s something we have an eye on – although of course first, we’ve got to see how the car is in testing.”
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Last season saw significant progress allow Haas to push Renault for much of the year in the battle before eventually having to settle for fifth.
However second driver Kevin Magnussen anticipates 2019 will be more about consolidating their current position.
“Last year we took a big step from 2017 to 2018, I don’t think we can expect to take as big a step again but we can expect to keep improving and stay on the rise,” the Dane explained.
“I really don’t expect us to take a step back, I think we’re going to continue to grow but we need to improve and we need to grow even to hold onto fifth.
“Probably this year the improvements and the step forward will be less visible, most likely.
“But I can see how we are growing as a team and we are gaining more and more experience, [and] we’re learning with that experience that we’re gaining, also, to make use of that experience. I’m positive.”