Romain Grosjean to drive F1 car for first time since 2020 Bahrain GP crash
For the first time since his terrifying crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, Romain Grosjean will step back into Formula 1 machinery.
The Frenchman will reunite with Haas for a Testing of Previous Car session at Italy’s Mugello circuit on Friday, September 26, reports Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
Grosjean will drive the VF-23, the car Haas campaigned during the 2023 season, marking a symbolic return to the team with which he ended his Formula 1 career.
The test will be more than just a drive. It will reunite Grosjean with familiar faces, including Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, who served as his race engineer during their time together at Lotus, as well as former Haas colleagues Dominic Haines and Ian Staniforth.
For Grosjean, the day represents both closure and celebration.
Remembering the Bahrain crash
Grosjean’s last F1 outing is etched into memory for its sheer drama.
At the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, he lost control on the opening lap and slammed into the barriers with a force measured at 67G. The impact split his car in two and ignited a massive fireball.
Remarkably, Grosjean escaped with only burns to his hands after being trapped for nearly half a minute.
The crash effectively ended his F1 career, as his injuries forced him to miss the Abu Dhabi finale, which was supposed to be his farewell race.
While Grosjean had been lined up for a Mercedes test shortly after, scheduling conflicts and his commitments in IndyCar prevented the opportunity from happening.
Now, nearly five years later, he will finally experience Formula 1 speed once again.
From IndyCar to Sportscar racing
After leaving F1, Grosjean embarked on a new chapter in IndyCar, where he quickly made an impact.
Across four seasons, he claimed six podiums and three pole positions. Most recently, he joined Lamborghini’s Sportscar program in the United States, continuing to showcase his adaptability and passion for racing.
This Haas test, however, brings him full circle. “To say I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car would naturally be an understatement,” Grosjean said.
“It has been almost five years since I last drove one, and to do it with Haas feels incredibly special. I am looking forward to seeing old friends and contributing to the team’s trackside work.
“My kids designed a helmet for what was supposed to be my final grand prix in 2020, and now I finally get the chance to wear it.”
Haas welcomes a familiar face
Ayao Komatsu, who has been with Grosjean throughout much of his Formula 1 career, expressed his pride in orchestrating this reunion.
“Romain and I have worked together for years, and to welcome him back in one of our cars is only fitting,” Komatsu said.
“It will be a memorable day for everyone, especially since many of the original crew will be there. Knowing Romain, he will give it everything as always.”
The day will also feature former IndyCar winner and F1 TV pundit James Hinchcliffe, who will experience driving an F1 car for the first time as part of a broadcast feature.
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Could this lead to more?
Grosjean’s return to the cockpit is billed as a one-off celebration, yet it inevitably raises the question of what comes next.
At 38, he has shown both resilience and competitiveness in every series he has joined.
The modern Testing of Previous Car program opens limited doors for non-Formula 1 drivers to get behind the wheel, but whether Haas or another team would consider him for further outings remains uncertain.
While a permanent comeback to the grid seems unlikely given the influx of younger talent, the sport has seen surprising returns before.
Grosjean’s enduring fitness, racing sharpness from IndyCar and sportscar competition, and the emotional pull of his unfinished farewell all leave the door slightly ajar.
At the very least, this reunion serves as a powerful reminder of his determination and the remarkable journey that carried him back to where it all nearly ended.
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