Goosebumps moments in Mugello: Grosjean returns to Formula 1 and gets the send-off he never had.
Almost five years after his dramatic fire accident in Bahrain, Romain Grosjean returned to the cockpit of a Formula 1 car. In Mugello, he was allowed to test the Haas VF-23 and experienced a day full of emotions. “It was a rainy day, but fantastic,” said the 39-year-old.
The test took place alongside Pirelli development runs, accompanied by rain. Nevertheless, Grosjean enjoyed his return: “I was a little rusty at first, but then it all came back. I even got to do a standing start. My last start was in Bahrain in 2020—this time it went much better.”
Alongside Grosjean, former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe also sat in the Haas, driving an F1 car for the first time for a TV feature. For Grosjean, on the other hand, it was a trip back in time with many familiar faces from his time at Haas.
Reunion with old companions
Team boss Ayao Komatsu, who followed Grosjean from Lotus to Haas in 2016, and Dominic Haines, his former race engineer, were there. “It was a unique opportunity to meet old friends and drive a new-generation car. Simply fantastic, I’m very grateful,” said Grosjean.
The moment after the last lap was particularly moving: “They made me cry at the end. On my inlap, everyone was standing there—Ferrari, Red Bull, Pirelli, Haas—and applauding. I had expected something like that in Abu Dhabi in 2020. But today was maybe even better,” he said, referring to his planned F1 retirement at that time.
For Grosjean, who drove for Haas from 2016 to 2020, it was a belated farewell to Formula 1. “Mugello is one of my favorite tracks. I still remember the buttons on the steering wheel, even though a lot has changed.”
Helmet with special meaning
Grosjean wore a special helmet for his comeback. It had been designed in 2020 for his planned farewell race in Abu Dhabi. “Five years later, it’s still here, now with new stickers. The drawings by my children are funny. I’m proud to finally be able to wear it in the Haas.”
Memories of the accident in Bahrain remain vivid. Grosjean narrowly survived, suffering burns to his hands and legs. He then switched to the IndyCar series and later to the IMSA program with Lamborghini. But at Mugello, he was able to enjoy Formula 1 once again.
“The last time I was in an F1 car was not a pleasant experience. Today was the opposite. I was able to enjoy what these cars can do,” he said with relief. He also thanked the team management: “Thanks to Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for making this possible.”
