Palmer says Renault team-mate Magnussen is wrong to leave for Haas

Magnussen's deal to replace Esteban Gutierrez at F1's newest team was officially confirmed in Brazil on Friday.

Palmer stays on at Renault alongside Nico Hulkenberg, but when it was suggested to him that Magnussen had been the team's first choice to retain, the Briton hit out at his team-mate's judgement.

"I'm surprised to hear that to be honest," said Palmer. "If Renault turned to Kevin then he's made a mistake to turn it down because I think they'll be ahead of Haas next year."

Magnussen had originally expressed a preference for staying at Renault, but said its offer had not been long-term enough for his liking.

Palmer said he was perplexed by that logic, as he was certain Renault was a better immediate prospect than Haas.

"It's a manufacturer team going places, and if you get the choice to go to Red Bull for one year it's better than going to Toro Rosso for two years," he argued.

Asked for his opinion on Palmer staying at Renault, Magnussen replied: "I think he should be happy that I left".

Palmer acknowledged he would have to earn his longer-term Renault future by comparing well to new team-mate Hulkenberg.

"I need to do a good job next year and it's understandable for Renault that they'll want to see how I can do against Nico," he said.

"I have an option for the future, I believe in myself and in my opinion the car will be stronger next year."

MAGNUSSEN DEFENDS HAAS'S FORM

Haas was fifth in the constructors' championship after top six finishes in both its first two grands prix, but it has not reached those heights again and is now down to eighth in the standings.

Magnussen argued plenty of other midfield teams' form had fluctuated that much.

"Three or four teams haven't had stability over the season," he said.

"Many people have been in this situation and I think it's been hugely impressive what they've done in their first year.

"It's not a team that's taken over another team. They've created a new team, a new group of people."

Some F1 teams that starred in their debut years found second seasons tougher - including Jordan, Sauber and Stewart in the 1990s - but Magnussen thinks Haas will avoid that trend.

"Perhaps history shows that, but I think if someone can change that it's probably us," he added.

"The group of people they have and the way they do things is a little bit different than others. "I think they can be strong and have consistent pace."