Romain Grosjean will drive Haas' 2023 Components 1 automotive at Mugello on Friday, marking his first run in F1 equipment since his horrific Bahrain Grand Prix accident in 2020.
A stalwart of the crew in its early years, Grosjean joined Haas in 2016 and scored 104 factors throughout his 5 seasons with the American outfit. While set to depart on the finish of 2020, the Franco-Swiss driver suffered a terrifying incident on the opening lap of the Bahrain race by which his automotive burst by means of the barrier and was set ablaze by a ruptured gasoline line.
Due to the halo, Grosjean escaped the incident with solely burns to his arms and legs, though was changed by reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi for the ultimate two races of the season as he recovered from his accidents.
Though Grosjean was because of mark a return to F1 equipment with a run at Circuit Paul Ricard in a Mercedes in 2021, COVID restrictions meant that it was referred to as off.
4 years after these plans have been scuppered, Grosjean will return to the saddle along with his former crew in a testing of earlier automobiles run; he'll drive the VF-23 piloted by Nico Hulkenberg and his former team-mate Kevin Magnussen.
Staff principal Ayao Komatsu, who was Grosjean's race engineer at Haas and Lotus, will fulfil the identical position at Mugello.
“I'm completely thrilled to be welcoming Romain Grosjean again right into a Components 1 automotive for the primary time in 5 years however particularly proud he's returning in certainly one of our automobiles – it's solely becoming,” Komatsu mentioned.
Hearth marshals cope with the flames and a medical delegate assists Romain Grosjean, Haas F1, after an enormous crash on the opening lap
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
“Romain and I've labored collectively all through his total Components 1 profession so this check at Mugello is of specific significance to us each.
“I'm delighted he embraced the chance to return and get again behind the wheel with us, a day that's going to be made further particular by having so many members of the unique crew again collectively to witness it.
“It needs to be a enjoyable day and understanding Romain as I do, I do know he'll need to give it his all as normal – I'd count on nothing much less, not least as we've talked about making this occur for a very long time now.”
After his F1 profession ended, Grosjean moved to IndyCar for 2021, becoming a member of Dale Coyne Racing for a profitable debut marketing campaign, earlier than spending the next two years with Andretti. He then raced for Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2024, earlier than transferring to collection newcomer Prema in a reserve position.
Grosjean will use the helmet – with a design penned by his youngsters – that he had deliberate to race with in his final grand prix in 2020 earlier than his time in F1 was lower brief.
“I'm extremely grateful to [team owner] Gene Haas and to Ayao Komatsu for inviting me to take part within the TPC at Mugello,” Grosjean added.
Romain Grosjean
Photograph by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Pictures
“To say I'm excited to get again behind the wheel of a Components 1 automotive would naturally be an understatement. I actually can't imagine it's been nearly 5 years, however to return again and have this outing with my previous crew is really one thing particular.
“I'm excited to see everybody, I'm certain we'll spend a little bit of time reminiscing concerning the previous days, however I'm additionally eager to be of use concerning the trackside agenda with the VF-23 – it is nice the crew now has the TPC program as a part of its on-going improvement.”
Former IndyCar driver and F1TV analyst James Hinchcliffe will even drive the automotive at Mugello; this would be the first time that the Canadian (a six-time race winner in IndyCar) will drive F1 equipment.
