F1 News: Former Driver Reveals Mercedes Test Drive Hurdles - "Not Easy"

Romain Grosjean has opened up on the difficulties in taking part in his long-waited Mercedes test.

Former F1 driver Romain Grosjean has affirmed his commitment to a Formula 1 test outing with Mercedes, despite challenges in scheduling due to his packed racing calendar. The French-Swiss driver is balancing a demanding schedule but remains keen on continuing with the test.

Key Takeaways

• Continued Interest in F1 Test: Despite a hectic schedule in various racing series, Romain Grosjean is still eager to test with Mercedes, a plan that was formed following his dramatic exit from Formula 1 after a severe crash in 2020.
• Challenges in Scheduling: Grosjean, now actively participating in IndyCar, endurance racing, and F1 commentary, finds it challenging to fit the Mercedes test into his calendar, admitting it's partly his own doing.
• Hope for Testing New Generation Cars: Grosjean has expressed a strategic delay in scheduling the test, hoping to get behind the wheel of the new generation of F1 cars introduced in 2022.

Red Bull Press Image

Former Haas F1 driver Romain Grosjean is still determined to fulfill his postponed test outing with Mercedes, despite the complexities of aligning it with his busy racing schedule. Grosjean's career in F1 was unexpectedly cut short after a terrifying crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, where he narrowly escaped from his car that was engulfed in flames. This incident resulted in significant burns, primarily to his hands.

Following this incident, Mercedes extended an offer to Grosjean for a test run in one of their cars. Although a seat fitting was completed at the Mercedes factory, the test has been delayed due to Grosjean's packed schedule, which now includes a full-time stint in the IndyCar Series, participation in endurance racing, and a role as a commentator for F1 with Canal+.

In an interview with GP Racing, Grosjean was candid about his intentions, saying:

“Yes, absolutely [I still want to test with Mercedes]. We haven’t found the time yet – and yes, it’s all my fault.

“It’s not easy though – I’m looking at 30 race weekends next year. You guys complain about 24 in F1 and I have 18 in IndyCar, seven in endurance and five in F1 with Canal+. So it’s not easy to add a test.

“Also, very selfishly, I’m trying to delay it to the point where I can actually test a new generation of cars.

“But yeah, I’m still keen to do it and whenever I see Toto [Wolff] he always confirms that it’s going to happen. Yes, it would be very cool to get back in an F1 car.”

Red Bull Press Image