Haas’ storming speed during Friday’s free practice sessions for the French Grand Prix impressed everyone in the Paul Ricard paddock. Everyone, that is, apart from Haas themselves...

Romain Grosjean looked in great form, finishing both FP1 and FP2 in sixth place as he prepared to race at his first ever home Grand Prix, while Kevin Magnussen’s P10 and P9 across both sessions proved that his team mate’s speed was no fluke.

But for the Haas team, being near the pointy end of the timesheets in the early part of the weekend simply confirmed the pace that they know is in their VF-18.

“It's actually not a surprise... that the car is competitive,” said Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner after Friday’s running. “In Canada, we were quite competitive but we just didn't show it because of what happened. We just need to bring it home. A good race, bring it home... and finally get the points that we should have.”