Romain Grosjean is set to be back behind the wheel for the first time since his remarkable escape from a devastating fireball crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix

Former Haas driver Romain Grosjean will drive an F1 car for the first time since his harrowing crash in the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. This special test drive is scheduled to take place on Friday at the Mugello circuit in Italy, with his former team, Haas, providing their 2023 challenger, the VF-23. This opportunity comes under Formula 1’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations.

The return holds particular emotional significance for Grosjean, as it will allow him a proper farewell in an F1 car, something denied by the circumstances of his final race. His Haas car famously split in two and caught fire after piercing the barriers at high speed during the opening lap of the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. Miraculously, Grosjean escaped the engulfed wreckage after 27 seconds, sustaining only burns to the back of his hands.

This test drive also represents a chance for Grosjean to finally wear a helmet designed by his children for what was meant to be his final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi in 2020. He expressed his excitement, stating, “To say I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car would naturally be an understatement.” He added, “I really can’t believe it’s been almost five years, but to come back and have this outing with my old team is truly something special.”

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, who has a long working history with Grosjean, echoed these sentiments. “Romain and I have worked together throughout his entire Formula 1 career so this test at Mugello is of particular significance to us both,” Komatsu stated. He further added, “I’m delighted he embraced the opportunity to come and get back behind the wheel with us, a day that’s going to be made extra special by having so many members of the original crew back together to witness it.”

Grosjean, who competed in 179 Grands Prix for Renault/Lotus and Haas, achieving 10 podium finishes, has been active in IndyCar and sportscar racing in North America since his F1 career concluded. He currently serves as a reserve driver in the IndyCar Series and competes in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.