When Haas F1 Team will position itself on the grid next season, it will be with Romain Grosjean as their ace driver, relying on the Frenchman’s experience and technical feedback.

Grosjean has already competed in 78 Formula One races, having secured 10 podium finishes, including a 3rd place finish during last month’s Belgian Grand Prix. Before making this switch, he was regarded as the no.1 driver of a Renault works team, looking to challenge Mercedes and Ferrari in the years to come.

Unfortunately for both Lotus and Renault, Grosjean decided to jump ship and sign for Haas F1 – though his first contact with the car won’t come until March during testing in Spain.

“We wanted an experienced driver capable of developing our car and our race team into one that can score points and better itself each race and each season. We found him in Romain Grosjean,” said team owner Gene Haas. “I’ve been involved in motorsports for a long time and learned early on the most crucial component is the driver. Romain has strong credentials and he will be an important asset to Haas F1 Team.”

The French driver also sounds excited about his future with the team:

“What Gene Haas and everyone at Haas F1 Team is building is impressive, and I’m very proud to be a part of it. Formula One is incredibly competitive and the only way to succeed is by finding new ways of doing things. This is a new opportunity with a new team that is taking a very different approach to Formula One. I believe in their approach and they believe in me. While I am committed to giving my absolute best to my current team in these last five races, I am very excited for what the future holds at Haas F1 Team.”

Of course, some people believe that the best thing his future at Haas F1 can hold is a Ferrari seat if/when the Scuderia doesn’t re-sign Kimi Raikkonen. If Grosjean does make it to Ferrari, then his stint with Haas would have all been worth it.

Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner also went on the record to say that Grosjean is technically minded driver and that “he gives strong, specific feedback as to how the car performs. As we develop our car in testing and throughout the season, his insight will be crucial.”

By switching teams, Grosjean will most likely create a bit of a rivalry between Haas and Renault, and we’re all excited to see who comes out on top next year.

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