The Haas F1 Team has confirmed that Romain Grosjean will drive for the outfit in 2016, meaning the Frenchman will part ways with Lotus at the end of the season.
The 29-year-old has spent ten years at the Enstone team, even during its days as Renault – which looks set to return as the team’s owner next year – but chose to leave following financial struggles which have hurt Lotus’s form.
It was widely reported that Grosjean would join the new Haas project and confirmation came on Thursday during a press conference at the team’s North Carolina base.
Speaking about the signing, founder and chairman of the team Gene Haas said it was important to have an experienced driver as they are “the most crucial component”.
“We wanted an experienced driver capable of developing our car and our race team into one that can score points and better itself each race and each season. We found him in Romain Grosjean,” said Haas.
“I’ve been involved in motorsports for a long time and learned early on the most crucial component is the driver. Romain has strong credentials and he will be an important asset to Haas F1 Team.”
Grosjean added: “What Gene Haas and everyone at Haas F1 Team is building is impressive, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.
“F1 is incredibly competitive and the only way to succeed is by finding new ways of doing things. This is a new opportunity with a new team that is taking a very different approach to F1.
“I believe in their approach and they believe in me. While I am committed to giving my absolute best to my current team in these last five races, I am very excited for what the future holds at Haas F1 Team.”
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