Romain Grosjean launches legal action against future F1 team as exit turns ugly

Andretti Autosport will face legal action from driver Romain Grosjean after deciding they’re cutting the driver for 2024. Andretti are downsizing their IndyCar garage from four cars to three, and Grosjean has been told he won’t be driving any of them.

Owner Michael Andretti has been looking to expand his presence in motorsport and has seen a bid to enter Formula One approved by the motorsport’s governing body, FIA.  And he’s making big changes to their IndyCar unit too, with former F1 driver Grosjean losing his place ahead of the 2024 season.

The French-Swiss racing driver struggled in 2023, after impressing in his first two years after being forced to move away from F1 due to extreme circumstances. Grosjean was lucky to be alive after the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, where he had to escape his Haas car after it broke through the barriers and caught fire.

He recovered and later signed to IndyCar, achieving five second-place finishes but having just one top-ten finish in his last 13 races. After losing his seat, he is now seeking action with his future uncertain.

Don’t miss…
Lewis Hamilton ‘irritating’ George Russell as McLaren sue own driver for £19m[LATEST]
Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 return date confirmed as Red Bull offer update[LATEST]
George Russell trolled by two Norris and Albon over Lewis Hamilton battle[LATEST]

In a statement posted to his social media, Grosjean confirmed that he would be exploring legal action with Andretti. “I enjoyed working with the IndyCar team at Andretti Autosport,” Grosjean said.

“I am proud of the successes we shared through two seasons. I am thankful for the many friendships developed at the highest level of American open-wheel racing.

“I had expected to continue racing with the fine people of Andretti Autosport in the coming years. I am disappointed that this is not being fulfilled, and wish Andretti team members well. I am pursuing other options to continue my IndyCar career in pursuit of excellence.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

“I have commenced an arbitration proceeding in Indiana against Andretti Autosport, seeking to protect my rights. I am represented by John Maley and Mark Owens of Barnes & Thornburg, LLP. Respectfully, Romain Grosjean.”

The driver has claimed “he will find a place to land” as he begins searching for a new team, and he already has contracts signed with Lamborghini’s Iron Lynx team for both the World Endurance Championship and MSA SportsCar Championship.

But his future in IndyCar is uncertain, even though team owner Andretti tried to justify his reasoning for cutting Grosjean. “There are a lot of things that go into a fourth car, not just sponsorship,” he said. “We have quite a few different options we are looking at and see what the best one is that works for us.”

Source: Read Full Article