Romain Grosjean Makes Emotional Return to Formula 1 at Mugello Test
Five years after the life-altering accident that ended his F1 career at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Romain Grosjean returned to the grid during a poignant test at Mugello. The former Haas driver, who competed for the team from 2016 to 2020 before transitioning to IndyCar, took the wheel of the Haas VF-23, eliciting a flood of emotions as he reunited with familiar faces in the paddock.
“They made me cry!”
A Day to Remember for Grosjean
Grosjean’s test experience coincided with Pirelli’s development work and included a wet track, which added an element of challenge. However, the Frenchman embraced the conditions, stating afterwards, “It was a wet day, but as we say, it was a rainy wedding, a rainy happy wedding.”
Nostalgic Moments and Standing Starts
Reflecting on his time behind the wheel, Grosjean remarked on the thrill of executing a standing start—his first since the notorious Bahrain incident. “Just felt a bit rusty at first, and then everything came back,” he added, highlighting the joy of being back in an F1 cockpit.
A Bittersweet Reunion
The emotional day was made even more special by the presence of several key figures from his past, including team principal Ayao Komatsu and heritage chief engineer Dominic Haines. Grosjean’s heartfelt tribute to his old team was evident as he recounted the touching farewell he received. “For my last in-lap,” he said, “everyone from Ferrari, Red Bull, Pirelli and of course Haas F1 team was here, clapping and giving me like an ovation.”
The Significance of the Experience
The 39-year-old expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the sport and its community. “Very grateful, very unique opportunity getting to see some of the people that were in Australia 2016 and get to drive the new generation of cars. I think it was even better today.”
In this emotional return to Formula 1, Grosjean has not only rekindled memories of his past but also reaffirmed his bond with the racing world—a testament to the enduring spirit of a driver who faced incredible odds.