Why Did Romain Grosjean Leave F1? The Story Behind His Departure
by A N Rahul
Updated May 31, 2023
Why did Romain Grosjean leave F1?
Romain Grosjean's departure from Formula 1 (F1) was a result of a significant incident that occurred during the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2020. The crash was a horrific one, and it ultimately led to the conclusion of Grosjean's F1 career.
During the opening lap of the race, Grosjean's car collided with Daniil Kvyat's car, causing him to veer off the track and crash into the barriers. The impact split his car into two and caused a fiery explosion. Fortunately, Grosjean managed to extricate himself from the wreckage and escaped with relatively minor injuries, including burns to his hands.
Following the accident, it became clear that Grosjean's injuries would prevent him from participating in the remaining races of the season. As a result, Haas, the team Grosjean was driving for at the time, decided not to renew his contract for the 2021 season.
However, in recognition of his contributions to the sport and due to the circumstances surrounding his departure, Mercedes, one of the leading teams in F1, offered Grosjean a chance to test one of their cars during the 2021 season. This gesture from Mercedes allowed Grosjean to have a proper send-off and a final opportunity to experience driving a competitive car before officially ending his F1 career.
The decision for Grosjean to leave F1 was primarily influenced by the accident and the subsequent impact on his physical condition. While he did not continue his career in F1 after 2020, Grosjean's resilience and determination to overcome the accident have been widely appreciated and admired by the motorsport community.
Romain Grosjean Indy 500
Romain Grosjean's participation in the Indianapolis 500 race did not go as planned for the second consecutive year. In his second attempt at the prestigious event, Grosjean's race ended prematurely due to a loss of control of his car.
During the race, Grosjean was positioned in the 25th position, working his way through the field. However, as he exited Turn 2, something went wrong, causing him to lose control of the car. This resulted in a significant impact with the outside wall, bringing an abrupt end to his Indianapolis 500 campaign.
The crash marked a disappointing outcome for Grosjean, who had been hoping for a better result in his second attempt at the iconic race. Despite the setback, Grosjean's determination and passion for motorsport remain evident, as he continues to push himself in new racing endeavors.
Grosjean's participation in the Indianapolis 500 reflects his willingness to challenge himself in different racing disciplines and take on new experiences. While his second attempt did not yield the desired outcome, his commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring diverse racing opportunities showcases his versatility as a driver.
Although the Indianapolis 500 did not go according to plan for Romain Grosjean, his passion for racing and his competitive spirit are likely to drive him to pursue future racing endeavors and strive for success in different racing disciplines.
About Romain Grosjean
Romain Grosjean is a Swiss-French professional racing driver, competing under the French flag in the NTT IndyCar Series, driving the No. 28 Honda for Andretti Autosport. Grosjean had previously spent nine full-time seasons in Formula One for a variety of teams, picking up 10 podiums, all with Lotus.
Grosjean was born in Geneva, Switzerland, on 17 April 1986. He began his racing career in karting in 1998, and won the Swiss Karting Championship in 2003. He moved to single-seater racing in 2004, and won the Formula Renault 2.0 WEC championship in 2005. He then moved to Formula Renault 3.5 Series, where he finished third in 2007.
Grosjean made his Formula One debut in 2009 with Renault. He scored his first points in the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix, and finished the season in 13th place in the drivers' championship. He was retained by Renault for the 2011 season, but was replaced by Kimi Räikkönen after the team's merger with Lotus.
Grosjean enjoyed a successful spell with Lotus, scoring 10 podiums and finishing sixth in the drivers' championship in 2012. He was retained by the team for the 2013 season, but was released at the end of the year after a series of crashes.
Grosjean signed with Haas for the 2016 season. He scored his first points for the team in the 2016 Australian Grand Prix, and finished the season in 13th place in the drivers' championship. He was retained by Haas for the 2017 season, but was released at the end of the year after a series of crashes.
Grosjean signed with Dale Coyne Racing for the 2018 IndyCar Series season. He scored his first points in the series in the 2018 St. Petersburg Grand Prix, and finished the season in 17th place in the drivers' championship. He was retained by Dale Coyne Racing for the 2019 season, and finished the season in 14th place in the drivers' championship.
Grosjean signed with Andretti Autosport for the 2020 IndyCar Series season. He scored his first podium in the series in the 2020 Grand Prix of Long Beach, and finished the season in 10th place in the drivers' championship.
Grosjean is known for his aggressive driving style, and has been involved in a number of crashes during his career. However, he is also a talented driver, and has shown that he can be competitive at the highest level.
In 2020, Grosjean was involved in a horrific crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix. His car collided with Daniil Kvyat's car, and the impact caused Grosjean's car to split in half and burst into flames. Grosjean was able to escape from the burning car with only minor injuries. The crash was widely reported in the media, and Grosjean's survival was seen as a miracle.
Following the crash, Grosjean took a break from racing, but returned to the IndyCar Series in 2021. He has continued to race in the IndyCar Series in 2022, and is currently in his third season with Andretti Autosport.
Romain Grosjean Crash f1
Romain Grosjean's crash during the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix in Formula One was a harrowing incident that left a lasting impact on the sport. On the first lap of the race, Grosjean's car collided with the track wall at a high speed, causing it to split in two and burst into flames. Despite the terrifying scene, Grosjean miraculously managed to escape from the burning wreckage after being trapped for approximately 28 seconds.
He suffered severe burns to his hands but was fortunate to walk away with his life. As a result of the crash, Grosjean was unable to continue racing for the remainder of the 2020 season. The incident prompted an investigation by the FIA (International Automobile Federation) to determine the cause of the accident, with the findings revealing a combination of factors including the angle of impact, speed, and track conditions.
Despite the trauma he experienced, Grosjean has made a remarkable recovery and has since transitioned to compete in the NTT IndyCar Series with Andretti Autosport. The crash serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in motorsport and highlights the resilience and determination of drivers like Grosjean.
Why did Romain Grosjean leave F1-FAQs
Romain Grosjean left F1 due to a severe crash during the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2020. The incident resulted in his injuries and the conclusion of his F1 career.
Grosjean's departure was a direct result of the crash during the Bahrain Grand Prix, which left him with burns and unable to compete in the remaining races of the 2020 season. Haas, his team at the time, chose not to renew his contract for 2021.
Yes, Mercedes, one of the top teams in F1, offered Grosjean a test opportunity with their cars during the 2021 season. This allowed him to have a proper send-off and experience driving a competitive car before officially leaving F1.
Despite leaving F1, Grosjean's resilience and determination to overcome the accident have been widely recognized and admired. He has continued to pursue his passion for motorsport and has participated in the NTT IndyCar Series, showcasing his skills and determination in new racing endeavors.