Haas F1 announces Grosjean for 2016

Romain Grosjean will race for the newly-formed Haas F1 team next year, the American outfit has announced in a press conference.

Grosjean made his debut in Formula 1 in 2012, after winning the previous year’s GP2 title. Since then, the Frenchman has accumulated 10 podiums and is touted as a future world champion. The 29 year old intends to use Haas’ Ferrari links to land a drive with the Scuderia in the future.

“What Gene Haas and everyone at Haas F1 Team is building is impressive, and I’m very proud to be a part of it,” Grosjean said. “Formula One 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 Formula One. 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.”

Haas Automation is an American tool maker that has used NASCAR as an effective marketing tool since 2003. With F1 now part of its motorsport programme, it aims at doubling its turnover to $2 billion.

Haas F1 is based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, with a European base in Banbury, UK. It is yet to reveal the name of its second driver, although it’s likely to be picked up from Ferrari’s roaster.