Grosjean Returns to F1: Test with Haas After Bahrain Accident

Romain Grosjean Returns to Formula 1 with Haas in Special Test

Driver Romain Grosjean will get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car this week, marking his return to competition after the shocking accident at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. The special test will be carried out with the Haas team, his former team. Grosjean, who miraculously escaped with minor burns after being trapped in a fire following a crash in the 2020 race, will have the opportunity to drive the Haas VF-23, the car they competed with in the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Romain Grosjean will drive a Formula 1 car again this week.

I am incredibly grateful to Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for inviting me to participate in the test at Mugello. To say that I am excited to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car is, of course, an understatement.

Romain Grosjean

The test will be held at the Mugello circuit, Italy. Ayao Komatsu, who was Grosjean’s race engineer and is now the Haas team principal, will participate in the test while maintaining his previous role, a gesture in recognition of their previous working relationship. Grosjean expressed his enthusiasm for this unique opportunity, highlighting that it’s special to return to his former team almost five years after the accident. In addition, he mentioned that he would finally be able to use the helmet designed by his children for what was going to be his last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi in 2020.

Grosjean’s accident at the Bahrain GP in 2020 was one of the worst in F1 history.Komatsu stated that it was appropriate to give Grosjean this opportunity and was excited to welcome him back to a Formula 1 car. Haas will also have the participation of James Hinchcliffe, six-time IndyCar winner, and current F1 TV commentator, in the test. This will be the first time Hinchcliffe drives a Formula 1 car. The rules allow teams to use cars from two to four previous seasons, with a limit of 20 days in total per year and 1,000 km for current F1 drivers.