Romain Grosjean, after retiring from F1 following his dramatic accident at last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix, will make a special one-off test with Mercedes next month.
While recovering in hospital, the Frenchman received the promise from Toto Wolff of an opportunity to drive a Mercedes F1 car and ensure his accident wasn’t the end of his F1 story.
Romain will drive Lewis Hamilton’s 2019 title-winning Mercedes GP in a series of demonstration laps at the French Grand Prix on June 27th, followed by a full test-day at the Circuit Paul Ricard, on June 29th.
Romain is currently competing for Dale Coyne Racing in the Indycar series.
Romain Grosjean said, “I am so excited to jump back in an F1 car! It will be a special opportunity for me and to drive a World Championship-winning Mercedes will be a unique experience.”
“I’m very grateful to Mercedes F1 and to Toto for the opportunity. The first I heard about the chance to drive a Mercedes was in my hospital bed in Bahrain when Toto was speaking to the media and made the invitation. Reading that news cheered me up a lot!”
“F1 didn’t get the chance to race in France during 2020 because of COVID so driving a Mercedes at the French Grand Prix in 2021 and then completing a test at the Circuit Paul Ricard, my home track, will be so special. I can’t wait for the day to arrive.”
Team Principal Toto Wolff said, “We are very happy to support Romain with this special opportunity. The idea first came when it looked like Romain would be ending his active career in Formula One, and we didn’t want his accident to be his last moment in an F1 car.
“I have known Romain since his days in Formula Three when he won the Championship. He enjoyed a long and successful F1 career and we wanted to make sure that his final memories would be at the wheel of a championship-winning car. I’m excited to see what Romain’s feedback on the W10 is.”
“Romain’s accident reminds us of the dangers these guys face each time they climb into the cockpit but it’s also a testament to the incredible steps this sport has taken to improve safety over the years. I know the F1 community will celebrate seeing Romain back on track.”
Lewis Hamilton said, “I’m really happy to see Romain back in an F1 car after his accident last year. When it happened, we were all praying for him and seeing him walk away from it and recover so well was a massive relief. I’m looking forward to seeing him again in France and welcoming him to the team for the weekend – although he better look after my W10!”
