Romain Grosjean Bio
Romain David Jeremie Grosjean, born on April 17, 1986, in Geneva, Switzerland, is a French and Swiss professional racing driver. He currently competes in the IMSA SportsCar Championship for Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse and serves as a reserve driver in the IndyCar Series for Prema. Grosjean is widely recognized for his extensive career in Formula One from 2009 to 2020, where he earned multiple podium finishes and demonstrated consistent performance across various teams.
Early Life and Background
Grosjean was born to a Swiss father and a French mother in Geneva. He is the grandson of Fernand Grosjean, an Olympic alpine skier who won a silver medal at the 1950 World Ski Championship, and the great-grandson of Edgar Brandt, a renowned weapons designer. Growing up in a family with a rich sporting and engineering heritage, Grosjean was exposed to competitive sports and precision from an early age.
He began his motorsport journey in kart racing before advancing to junior formulae in 2003 under a Swiss license. Grosjean’s early racing career included competing in Formula LO and French Formula Renault, where he dominated the 2005 season with ten wins out of sixteen races. His progression continued through the Formula 3 Euro Series, culminating in winning the championship in 2007.
Path to NASCAR
Although Grosjean did not pursue NASCAR, his path through the motorsports ladder was marked by success in European single-seaters and sportscar racing. After excelling in Formula 3 and GP2 Series, he made his Formula One debut in 2009 with Renault. Following his Formula One career, Grosjean transitioned to the IndyCar Series in 2021 and later to sportscar racing with Lamborghini in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Romain Grosjean Career
Early Career (2003–2008)
Grosjean’s early career was characterized by rapid advancement through junior racing categories. After dominating French Formula Renault in 2005, he competed in the Formula 3 Euro Series, winning the championship in 2007. He then moved to the GP2 Series in 2008, finishing fourth in his rookie season and securing the GP2 Asia Series title.
His performance in GP2 earned him a place as a Renault Sport Academy member and a Formula One debut with Renault in 2009, where he replaced Nelson Piquet Jr. for the latter part of the season.
Formula One Breakthrough (2009–2015)
Grosjean made his Formula One debut at the 2009 European Grand Prix with Renault. Although his rookie season was challenging, he gained valuable experience. In 2012, Grosjean returned to Formula One with Lotus, partnering with 2007 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen. He achieved his maiden podium at the Bahrain Grand Prix and secured additional podiums in Canada and Hungary that year.
In 2012, Grosjean became the first driver in eighteen years to receive a race ban after causing a multi-car collision at the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite this setback, he finished seventh in the 2013 World Drivers’ Championship, his best career finish. Grosjean continued with Lotus until 2015, achieving multiple podiums and establishing himself as a competitive driver in the midfield.
Haas Era (2016–2020)
In 2016, Grosjean joined the Haas F1 Team, marking a new chapter in his career. He scored points consistently and earned the team’s first points finish in their debut race. Throughout his tenure at Haas, Grosjean partnered with Kevin Magnussen and delivered several strong performances, including a career-best fourth place at the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix.
His Formula One career ended following a severe crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, where his car split and caught fire. Grosjean escaped with minor burns, crediting the halo safety device for saving his life. He missed the final two races of the season and subsequently transitioned to other racing disciplines.
IndyCar and Sportscar Racing (2021–Present)
After Formula One, Grosjean moved to the IndyCar Series in 2021 with Dale Coyne Racing and Rick Ware Racing. He quickly adapted, securing his first pole position and podium at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis. Grosjean continued to compete in IndyCar with Andretti Autosport and Juncos Hollinger Racing through 2023.
In 2023, Grosjean shifted focus to sportscar racing, joining Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. He continues to compete at a high level, contributing to Lamborghini’s efforts in endurance racing.
Driving Style and Strengths
Grosjean is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, excelling on street circuits and technical tracks. His racecraft and strategic acumen have allowed him to capitalize on opportunities during races. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated strong adaptability across different racing formats and vehicles.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key moments in Grosjean’s career include his first Formula One podium at the 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix, his race ban at the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, and his remarkable survival of the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix crash. His transition to IndyCar and immediate success, including pole positions and podiums, highlight his versatility as a driver.
Romain Grosjean Career Wins
Grosjean’s career features multiple wins and titles across various series, including the Formula 3 Euro Series championship, GP2 Asia Series titles, and the Auto GP Series championship. While he did not secure a Formula One race win, his podium finishes and consistent points scoring underscore his competitiveness at the highest level.
GP2 Series Highlights
Grosjean won the GP2 Asia Series twice and the main GP2 Series championship in 2011. His first GP2 win came early in his career, and he maintained strong performances throughout his tenure in the series, which served as a springboard to Formula One.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his open-wheel success, Grosjean won races in the Auto GP Series and FIA GT1 World Championship. His versatility extends to endurance racing, including participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and various sportscar events.
Romain Grosjean Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Grosjean comes from a family with a rich sporting and engineering heritage. His grandfather, Fernand Grosjean, was an accomplished alpine skier, and his great-grandfather, Edgar Brandt, was a notable weapons designer. This background provided Grosjean with a foundation of discipline and competitive spirit.
Personal Life
Romain Grosjean is married to French journalist and television presenter Marion Jollès since 2012. The couple has three children: two sons born in 2013 and 2015, and a daughter born in 2017. They reside in Miami, Florida, where Grosjean moved to accommodate his racing commitments and family life.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Grosjean continues to compete in the IMSA SportsCar Championship with Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse. His experience and skill contribute significantly to the team’s performance in endurance racing. As a reserve driver in the IndyCar Series for Prema, Grosjean remains involved in open-wheel racing, maintaining his competitive edge and readiness for future opportunities.
Grosjean’s 2025 season reflects his successful transition from Formula One to sportscar and IndyCar racing, showcasing his adaptability and sustained passion for motorsports.
