Romain Grosjean’s recent improvements have made him a contender to lead the Lotus F1 team next season according to trackside operations director Alan Permane.
The Frenchman often impressed during his first year with Lotus, but silly mistakes not only cost him respect and a one-race ban, it resulted in a loss of confidence and pace.
Permane believes that spark has now returned, minus the mistakes, and highlighted his last five races as an example.
“I think Romain himself has made – I wouldn’t call it a breakthrough – but since the Nurburgring, Hungary, he’s just been getting better and better and better,” Permane said.
In Germany he finished third and followed that up with three points finishes before securing third on the Singapore grid before relibility troubles lost him a certain podium.
Permane says the success will boost his confidence and he says he sees no reason why the Frenchman can’t lead the team next year when Kimi Raikkonen departs.
“He had an excellent Saturday. We knew we had the potential to do well and he delivered, and I think for his head that will be very, very important.
“He’ll know that he can do it [lead the team]. I don’t see why not, honestly. It obviously depends who we get as his team-mate; if it’s a strong character or who it is, but I don’t see why not. Now is his chance and he looks to be taking it, which is really good to see.”
