Haas F1 Test: Hinchcliffe vs. Grosjean at Mugello
Summary
Haas recently held a special F1 test at Mugello, featuring a poignant return for Romain Grosjean five years after his Bahrain crash, and the first-ever F1 drive for IndyCar veteran James Hinchcliffe. This event showcased Haas's expanded testing capabilities and commitment to team development, providing crucial training for personnel and fostering a strong team culture. Despite mixed weather, both drivers thoroughly enjoyed the experience, underscoring the team's positive growth and internal cohesion.
Haas recently hosted a special test at Mugello, seeing former F1 driver Romain Grosjean return to an F1 cockpit five years after his harrowing Bahrain crash. He was joined by IndyCar veteran and F1 broadcaster James Hinchcliffe, who experienced an F1 car for the very first time.
Why it matters:
- This test was not only a poignant return for Grosjean but also a significant step for Haas's expanded testing program, enabled by a new technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
- It highlights Haas's commitment to team development and fostering a strong internal culture, offering invaluable training opportunities for both experienced and junior personnel.
- The event also served as a unique 'family day' for Haas's Italian staff, bringing the team closer and showcasing their commitment to their people.
The Details:
- Participants: Romain Grosjean (former Haas F1 driver) and James Hinchcliffe (former IndyCar winner and F1 broadcaster).
- Vehicle: Haas VF-23, used for a 'Testing of Previous Cars' (TPC) outing.
- Location: Mugello Circuit, Italy, a high-speed track favored by both Komatsu and Grosjean.
- Grosjean's Return: Marking his first F1 drive since his fiery 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix crash, the test provided an emotional and long-awaited reunion with his former team. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized that nobody wanted Bahrain to be Grosjean's last F1 experience.
- Hinchcliffe's Debut: This was Hinchcliffe's first time driving an F1 car. He initially drove in tricky wet conditions but later got a run on slick tires, leaving him
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/haas-tpc-test-romain-grosjean-james-hinchcliffe-mu...