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Cape Town - Kevin Magnussen says he's going all out to the win the 'best of the rest' championship this season, meaning P7 is his goal in the standings.
While the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull are in a league of their own, cutting Haas and the other midfield teams out of the championship fight, Magnussen says there is still something to play for.
"I'm kind of creating this big championship in my head," he told Autosport. "I know it doesn't exist, but in my head, it's something to motivate myself with.
"I've let go of those top three teams, I'm not worried about that, but we are in an even fight with the two or three other teams in the midfield and that fight is something that I really want to win."
The Haas driver is currently eighth in the standings on 45 points, seven behind Nico Hulkenberg who is leading the 'best of the rest' battle.
Magnussen added: "I haven't had any kind of winning emotions for all the time that I've been in F1," he said.
"When I finished third but got second in Australia in my first race, I still didn't have those kind of winning emotions, it was just a third.
"Now I've been able to focus on this big championship that I have created in my mind and when I beat the other guys, I get the same emotions [as winning].
"I don't care about the big three teams, they're in a different league.
"When I get in front of all the midfield teams, I get those kinds of emotions and that's hugely motivating."
The Dane hinted that he expects to remain with Haas next season, which he feels it the best option for him given that the top three teams aren't knocking on his door.
He said: "What do you want if you're not in a top team, that can't fight for wins and championships?
"It's a stable team that gives you a good car, that can still fight for points and still fight for that Class B championship.
"I probably have the best car of the trailing teams. I couldn't ask for more."
