Grosjean switches to Haasposted in F129 | 09 | 2015
ROMAIN GROSJEAN HAS confirmed he will switch to the fledgling US-based Haas Formula 1 team for 2016. The current Lotus racer was confirmed by team owner Gene Haas and team principal Gunther Steiner during a press conference at Haas' headquarters in Kannapolis.
The Frenchman (pictured) made his F1 debut with the Enstone-based squad in 2009, when it was last known as Renault.
With Lotus appearing to be in something of a state of meltdown, Grosjean's decision would appear wise.
What adds credibility t his decision is the Haas team will be powered by Ferrari engines, and in driving for what will essentially be labelled as a 'Ferrari B team', he puts himself in the shop window with the Maranello bosses should it decide it needs a replacement for Kimi Raikkonen in 2017.
Grosjean didn't air such thoughts though when he was asked why he had joined the new outfit?
"It's a question I have had to ask myself, thinking about your future and career, which is always important," the 29-year-old Frenchman, who has recorded 10 podium finishes in his 78-race F1 career so far, explained.
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"I like the fact it's different to what a normal F1 team would do, and it's an approach that could be pretty successful.
"When you're racing in F1 you're doing so not to be last, but to be doing your best as a team and as a driver, and drinking champagne on the podium.
"I also like the partnership with Ferrari, with the way things have been going slowly and nicely, and I'm very happy with the decision."
And team owner Gene Haas was happy to explain his thinking behind naming Grosjean as his lead driver.
"This is part of our long-term strategy," the American, one half of NASCAR's successful Stewart-Haas partnership, explained. "We wanted an experienced driver to lead our team into the 2016 season.
"F1 is a tricky business, and like any business you have to learn, and the best way is to learn from other people. Romain was one of several candidates, he has been in F1 for many years, and been excellent for Team Lotus.
"I reviewed a lot of videos of his driving style, and one of the things that is very impressive is that he has scored points every season, and our primary goal is to be able to score points.
"As a piece of the puzzle he is going to have a lot of work to do, he is our lead driver."
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Jim McGill