F1

Grosjean makes surprising racing switch after legal action against former team

Romain Grosjean has signed a contract with IndyCar team Juncos Hollinger Racing after leaving Andretti Autosport at the end of the 2023 season. The Frenchman is replacing Callum Ilott, who agreed to part ways ahead of schedule despite an impressive campaign.

Grosjean has been attempting to make a name for himself across the pond since leaving F1 at the end of the 2020 season following his crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix, in which his Haas machinery was engulfed in flames following an opening lap tangle with Daniil Kvyat.

After a strong debut season in IndyCar with backmarker team Dale Coyne Racing in partnership with Rick Ware Racing, Grosjean made the move to Andretti Autosport, with whom he has raced for the past two seasons.

The 37-year-old added three podiums to his tally during his two-year stint with Andretti, but a host of clumsy crashes and some public clashes with members of his crew left him without a drive heading into the winter break.

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In reaction to his early departure, Grosjean launched legal action against his former team, revealing in a statement: “I had expected to continue racing with the fine people of Andretti Autosport in the coming years. I am disappointed that is not being fulfilled, and wish Andretti team members well. 

“I am pursuing other options to continue my IndyCar career in pursuit of excellence. I have commenced an arbitration proceeding in Indiana against Andretti Autosport, seeking to protect my rights. I am represented by John Maley and Mark Owens of Barnes & Thornburg, LLP.”

However, he has now found a new home at Juncos Hollinger Racing, who have endured a turbulent transition from a one-car team into a two-car team. After making the step into IndyCar with former Ferrari junior Callum Ilott, they brought Argentina’s Agustin Canapino on board as a second driver.

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Canapino is an iconic driver in his home country and brought with him a passionate legion of fans. While initially a blessing for both the sport and the team, these fans became an issue after a couple of on-track alterations between the two drivers.

Ilott was inundated with death threats and abuse on his social media page after contact at the season finale in Laguna Seca, fracturing relations within the organisation. The talented young Brit then departed Juncos Hollinger Racing by mutual consent, paving the way for Grosjean to sign on with his third different IndyCar team. 

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