Magnussen looking forward to ’simple’ Haas team

Kevin Magnussen has admitted he is looking forward to the simplicity of the Haas team, after a year at the French works outfit Renault.

At his final grand prix with Renault in Abu Dhabi, the Dane was spotted in meetings with his 2017 bosses, Haas team owner Gene Haas and principal Gunther Steiner.

Magnussen said he is looking forward to the switch.

"They are simple in their structure and management," he told Ekstra Bladet newspaper. "They are very open, honest and straightforward, which I like."

Some have questioned whether Magnussen was wise to agree the two-year deal, after Renault reportedly offered him a contract extension for 2017.

The driver said: "I do not think it is a step backwards. In formula one, it is important to be in a factory team. But if it doesn’t perform, you can’t perform.

"I think the guys at Williams and Force India for example should be quite happy, because they get good results and have good careers. They still have opportunities to reach world championship teams," Magnussen insisted.

He also hinted that he is looking forward to going up against Romain Grosjean, after a season with continuing Renault driver Jolyon Palmer.

"It is important to do well against a teammate who is respected," said Magnussen. "And in a team that appreciates you and that you can work well with."