Romain Grosjean Unveils Special Helmet for Haas F1 Outing, Reviving Unused 2020 Design

Romain Grosjean is set to make an emotional return to a Formula 1 car, participating in a special test with his former team, Haas. For this highly anticipated outing, Grosjean will don a helmet originally intended for his final 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race he tragically couldn't compete in due to his horrific Bahrain crash. The helmet has been updated with current Haas sponsors, blending sentimental value with the team's present identity.

Why it matters:

Romain Grosjean's return to a Haas F1 car marks a poignant moment for both the driver and the Formula 1 community. It offers a chance for closure after his dramatic 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix crash, allowing him to enjoy an F1 car experience on his own terms. For Haas, it's an opportunity to honor a former driver who was instrumental in their early years, fostering goodwill and celebrating their shared history.

The Details:

• Sentimental Helmet Design: Grosjean will wear the helmet designed for his un-raced final F1 race in Abu Dhabi 2020. It features drawings from his children from five years ago.
• Updated for 2024: The helmet has been updated with current MoneyGram Haas F1 Team stickers and sponsors, symbolizing the bridge between his past with the team and their present.
• Testing Location: The test will take place at Mugello, a circuit Grosjean describes as one of his favorites in the world.
• The Car: He will drive a 2023 Haas F1 car, a modern F1 machine he has never experienced before.
• Emotional Return: Grosjean expressed excitement and emotion, acknowledging the contrast with his last F1 experience, which was his fiery Bahrain crash.
• Team Reunion: Many original Haas team members from their 2016 debut, including Ayao Komatsu (Team Principal), will be present, making it a reunion for Grosjean.

The Big Picture:

Grosjean's F1 career with Haas spanned from their debut in 2016 until the end of the 2020 season. His time with the team included their first-ever points finish in Australia 2016. His tenure concluded abruptly with the Bahrain crash, where his car split in half and burst into flames, yet he miraculously escaped with only burns to his hands and legs. Since then, he has transitioned to IndyCar, racing for Dale Coyne, Andretti, and Juncos Hollinger, and is currently competing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship for Lamborghini, also serving as a reserve driver for Prema in IndyCar.

What's next:

This test provides Grosjean a unique opportunity to re-engage with the F1 environment in a relaxed, celebratory context. It allows him to drive a modern F1 car without the pressures of competition, providing a personal and professional moment of enjoyment and perhaps a sense of finality to his F1 chapter. While a full-time F1 return is not on the cards, this outing serves as a fitting tribute to his career and resilience.