Romain Grosjean will drive a Formula 1 car for the first time since his dramatic accident at the Bahrain Grand Prix last year after world champion Mercedes organized a one-off test for the French driver.
Grosjean will drive the 2019 title winner Mercedes W10 on a private test day at Paul Ricard on June 29 and complete a series of demonstration laps at the French Grand Prix on June 27.
After missing the final two races of the 2020 season due to burns on his hands, the test marks Grosjean’s first return to an F1 car since miraculously moving away from the fiery accident that nearly cost his life in Bahrain.
Romain Grosjean escaped an inferno at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Bryn Lennon / Getty Images
In the aftermath of the accident, Grosjean, who left Haas late last year and now drives in IndyCar, said he wanted to end his F1 career at a climax rather than remembering the accident.
“I want to jump back in an F1 car because it was my life and I would really like to cross the finish line when I finish my career in Formula 1,” he said at the time. “I don’t want it to be over on a bad day.”
Upon hearing the quotes, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said he would arrange a test for Grosjean and on Wednesday the team announced that promise and announced the opportunity in France.
“I’m so excited to jump back in an F1 car!” Said Grosjean. “It will be a special opportunity for me to drive a Mercedes that has won the world championship. It will be a unique experience.”
“I’m very grateful to Mercedes F1 and Toto for the opportunity. The first time I heard of the opportunity to drive a Mercedes was in my hospital bed in Bahrain when Toto spoke to the media and made the invitation. Reading this News cheered me up a lot!
“F1 didn’t have a chance to drive in France in 2020 due to COVID. So it will be special to drive a Mercedes at the French Grand Prix in 2021 and then do a test on the Circuit Paul Ricard, my home track . I can.” Don’t wait for the day to come. “
Lewis Hamilton and Romain Grosjean spoke a few days after the Hungarian Grand Prix. ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP via Getty Images
Wolff added: “We are very excited to support Romain on this special occasion. The idea first came when it looked like Romain was about to end his active career in Formula 1 and we didn’t want his accident his last moment would be in an F1 car.
“I’ve known Romain since his Formula Three days when he won the championship. He’s had a long and successful F1 career and we wanted to make sure his last memories are behind the wheel of a championship-winning car. I am. ” I’m curious what Romain’s feedback on the W10 is.
“Romain’s accident reminds us of the dangers these guys face every time they step into the cockpit, but it’s also testament to the incredible steps the sport has taken to improve safety over the years. I know the F1 community will celebrate to see Romain back on track. “
Grosjean visited the Mercedes plant in Brackley, UK on March 30th to complete a seat assembly and spend some time in the team’s simulator to prepare for the test.
The car he will drive has 15 wins, 10 pole positions and nine fastest laps between the two drivers during the 2019 season as well as this year’s Hamilton Drivers Championship.
Hamilton said: “I’m really happy to see Romain in an F1 car again after his accident last year. When it happened we all prayed for him and it was a great relief to see him run away and look so good to recover.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing him again in France and welcoming him to the team for the weekend – even though he’s taking better care of my W10!”
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