The Frenchman finished sixth at the F1 season opener after benefiting from the mid-race safety car that meant his team did not need to complete a pit stop.

And well aware how strong the overall pace of the car was, Grosjean believes that more good things should be on the horizon judging by the potential in the chassis.

“We were a bit lucky with the red flag, but unlucky on Saturday with the qualifying format,” he said. “It was a great debut, better than we were expecting, and it will be a race I will remember when getting older.

“It was good for everyone, and good for F1 having a brand new team coming and showing it is possible to score points. It is a very good thing.

“It was a good morale boost and confirmation that the car we are driving is probably one of the best I have ever driven.”

Not complacent

Despite the positive start to its F1 adventure, Grosjean says that Haas is not now expecting every weekend to be as good as Melbourne.

“I think there is a lot we need to learn and a lot of things we need to do better,” he said. “We had the crash in the pits in P3, we put the car on the track with barely any set-up work, and I am sure if we get more running and more time in the car, then there is more potential to be coming

“I am not saying we will be top five here this weekend. But it is the beginning for the team. We will have up and downs but it is a good start.”