Romain Grosjean said the next few races will be emotional as he bids farewell to the Lotus team at the end of the season after confirming a move to the Haas F1 Team.
The Frenchman made his Formula 1 debut with the Renault team before taking a two year sabbatical. He then returned to the same team in 2011, though by then it had been renamed Lotus with new owners.
Grosjean admits his decision to leave required a lot of thought, but ultimately he believed a new challenge was needed.
“I’m headed to a new team and a new and very different challenge in 2016 – it’s true – but it’s going to be very emotional for me to leave the team that I’ve been part of for so long.
“I’ve worked with Enstone for 10 years, we had ten podiums together and I took part in nearly 80 races… I have to say that the people at Enstone are the strongest group of people ever to keep pushing no matter what the circumstances.
“I had to think long and hard for the next step of my career,” he said.
The 29-year-old said the move “won’t be easy”, adding that a return in the future can’t be ruled out.
“Part of my heart will absolutely always be with Enstone where I’ve grown and experienced so much over the years. I can remember turning up in September 2005 at the front gate, not speaking English and being very shy.
“Some of the people I met that day are still there. I’m turning a new leaf in my book but it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the book so why not come back to Enstone one day to become World Champion with the team!
“Leaving Enstone at the end of the season won’t be easy… I promised everyone some beers in December when I come to say goodbye to the factory. Until then we’ve got five races left yet this season and I’m absolutely determined to end my time with the greatest high possible.”
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