Grosjean to miss Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Haas F1 Team's French drivers Romain Grosjean announced Sunday morning that he will not be participate at next weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as he tries to focus on his recovery.
Grosjean was involved in an incident on the opening lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix. While trying to overtake Daniil Kvyat, the Frenchman clipped the front of the AlphaTauri car and crashed out hitting the barrier at the exit of Turn 3 at 137 mph, recording a force of more than 50g.
Grosjean had hoped to compete in Abu Dhabi, and sounded hopeful earlier this weekend when asked about a possible return to the race track at the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, he has now confirmed that he does not want to risk his long-term health.
“It is with great sadness that I will not be able to do my final race in Abu Dhabi and be with the team there,” said Romain Grosjean. “We’ve tried as much as we could with the doctor to recover and to repair my hand, but the risk of racing is too big for my recovery and my health.
"So, the decision was made that I’m not going to race. It’s one of the hardest decisions of my life, but it’s obviously one of the wisest. I will miss the team, but I will be supporting them as ever.”
Commenting on Grosjean's decision, Haas F1 Team Principal, Guenther Steiner said: “I’m naturally very sorry that Romain will miss what was going to be his final race with Haas F1 Team.
"But we are all in agreement that he has to take the best course of action regarding his treatment and recovery from last Sunday’s incident. Romain has shown exceptional bravery and amazing spirit over the last few days – we know how badly he wanted to be able to return to the cockpit of the VF-20 in Abu Dhabi. And we all would have loved him to have been there too.”
The American team also announced that Pietro Fittipaldi, who is currently subbing for Grosjean at the Sakhir Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit, will compete again for Haas F1 Team alongside teammate Kevin Magnussen in Abu Dhabi, 11-13 December.
