Romain Grosjean to Drive F1 Car for First Time Since Fiery 2020 Crash

Five years after his terrifying 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix crash, Romain Grosjean is set to return to the cockpit of a Formula 1 car, reuniting with Haas for a special test at Mugello. This emotional comeback marks his first F1 drive since the incident that abruptly ended his F1 career and will see him don the colors of his former team.

Why it matters:

Grosjean's miraculous escape from a fiery 67G crash in Bahrain became one of F1's most iconic and harrowing moments. His return not only offers a poignant full-circle moment for him and the F1 community but also allows him a long-delayed, proper farewell to the sport he loved, an opportunity denied by the circumstances of his departure.

The Details:

• The Comeback: Grosjean will drive a Haas F1 car at Mugello, Italy, the same circuit where he last competed for Haas in the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix.
• The Crash: His last F1 appearance was at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, where his car pierced barriers at 67G and erupted in flames. He remarkably escaped with only burns to his hands.
• Haas Reunion: Grosjean spent five years with Haas (2016-2020), scoring 104 points and playing a crucial role in establishing the team in its early years.
• Familiar Faces: He will be reunited with several key personnel from his Haas tenure at the test:
  • Ayao Komatsu: The current Team Principal, who engineered Grosjean at both Lotus and Haas, will resume his engineering role for the test.
  • Dominic Haines: His former race engineer will also be present.
  • Ian Staniforth: A long-serving mechanic from his original Haas crew will join.
• Delayed Farewell: Grosjean was originally scheduled to test a Mercedes in 2021, but COVID restrictions forced its cancellation. This Mugello test finally provides the opportunity for closure.
• Symbolic Helmet: He will use the helmet his children designed for what was meant to be his final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi five years ago.
• Haas Team Principal Quote: Ayao Komatsu expressed his pride: “Romain and I have worked together throughout his entire Formula 1 career so this test at Mugello is of particular significance to us both.”

The Big Picture:

Since leaving F1, Grosjean embarked on a new chapter in IndyCar, racing for Dale Coyne Racing, Andretti Autosport, and Juncos Hollinger Racing before moving into a reserve role with Prema for 2025. This test not only provides him a personal moment of reflection but also highlights the enduring bonds within the F1 paddock and the sport's capacity for emotional stories.

Looking Ahead:

This one-off test at Mugello will serve as a poignant and long-awaited opportunity for Romain Grosjean to officially close his Formula 1 chapter on his own terms. While it's a nostalgic moment, it's also a testament to his resilience and the respect he earned in the sport. The event will also feature James Hinchcliffe, Canadian six-time IndyCar winner and F1TV broadcaster, driving the VF-23 for an upcoming feature during the United States Grand Prix weekend.