Test in the 2023 Haas: Formula 1 comeback for Romain Grosjean

(Motorsport-Total.com) - On Friday (September 26), Romain Grosjean will drive a Formula 1 car for the first time since his fiery accident at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix: His former team Haas will allow the Frenchman to test at Mugello in the VF-23 from the 2023 season.

"To say I'm looking forward to getting back into a Formula 1 car would of course be an understatement," said Grosjean.

Grosjean should have completed a Formula 1 test a long time ago: Mercedes had announced a test drive in a Silver Arrow , but this did not happen due to the Corona pandemic - only a seat adjustment in the Mercedes overalls .

Haas recreates the old days at the Grosjean test

A good five years after his last Grand Prix, Grosjean is finally getting a Formula 1 opportunity. "I can hardly believe it's been almost five years—and to be back now with my old team makes it truly special," says Grosjean.

In fact, much of his test in Mugello will be the same as it was back then: Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu will resume his former role as Grosjean's race engineer that day.

"Romain and I have worked together throughout his Formula 1 career, so this test has a very special meaning for both of us," explains Komatsu. "I'm incredibly excited to see him back in a Formula 1 car—and especially proud that he's returning in one of our cars. It's only fitting."

A reunion with the past for Grosjean

Grosjean has spent over half of his Formula 1 career with Haas: From 2016 to 2020, he was a leading figure in the US racing team, scoring its first points in the very first race. Only Kevin Magnussen has completed more races for Haas. (Find more statistics on Romain Grosjean in the Formula 1 database!)

Therefore, Komatsu is expecting a "nice day," saying: "Knowing Romain, he'll give it his all, as always. I don't expect anything less, especially since we've been talking about making this possible for a long time. And many members of the crew from back then are here."

Grosjean particularly likes this: "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again. We'll certainly reminisce a bit, but I also want to help with the work with VF-23 and the test program."

After his Formula 1 career, Grosjean kept himself fit by racing: He switched to the IndyCar Series in 2021 and surprised everyone with three podium finishes in his debut season. By the end of 2024, Grosjean had followed up with three more podium finishes in the US Formula series. His best overall result in the drivers' standings: 13th place in 2022 and 2023.

Grosjean gets company in Mugello

In Mugello, Grosjean will face another former IndyCar driver: James Hinchcliffe. The current Formula 1 TV expert will also have the opportunity to test the Haas VF-23. It will be the Canadian's first time driving a Formula 1 car, which will be featured on TV on the sidelines of the US Grand Prix in Austin.