Formula 1

Romain Grosjean: “I’m very proud of everything we’ve done”

2 Mins read
Credit: Andy Hone/LAT Photographic

Romain Grosjean is excited to push himself one last time in 2016 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.

The Haas F1 Team driver had a disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix after he failed to see the chequered flag. Grosjean lost control of his VF-16 while accelerating on the way to the grid on the formation lap, and this was a massive disappointment after equalling his best qualifying result of the season with seventh.

Haas made their debut this season, becoming the first American team in 30 years, for Grosjean this is something special. Especially as he scored the first points for the team after finishing in sixth at the Australian Grand Prix.

“It’s been a great season,” said Grosjean. “Joining the team for its first year was something special.

“I wanted to be the first person to score points for the team and a top-five. The next two targets are podiums and wins. Wearing the Haas Automation colours on the podium would be pretty special. For a first year, it’s been a very exciting journey.

“There have been ups and downs for sure but, generally, I’m very proud of everything we’ve done. After Abu Dhabi there will be time to sit down and see what we can improve for the future, but overall we’ve done very well for a first season.”

The start of the Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit is in the late afternoon, then it finishes in the night. Grosjean believe race day isn’t too bad with the changes, it’s the other sessions where you have a big difference in track temperature and car behaviour. Without having any data from the past, Haas won’t know in advance what they are doing.

“Race day’s not too bad the way it changes during the Grand Prix,” added Grosjean. “It’s more in between FP1 and FP2, then FP3 and qualifying.

“You have a big difference in track temperature and car behaviour. That’s something you need to keep in mind. We don’t have any data from the past. We won’t know what we’re doing in advance between FP3 and qualifying in terms of aero balance and setting up the car.

“These are things we have to find out for ourselves when we get there. The atmosphere is always good, and you know you’re on holiday after the race as it’s the last one of the season. I’ll still be pushing one last time, though.”

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