Race and classic pictures

Back in the cockpit: Grosjean reunites with Haas at Mugello

©Haas

Romain Grosjean made an emotional return to the Formula 1 cockpit on Friday, climbing back into familiar colors with Haas at Mugello.

It marked the Frenchman’s first time driving an F1 car since his terrifying accident in Bahrain back in 2020, a crash that ended his Grand Prix career sooner than expected.

After years of waiting – and a promised Mercedes test that never came to fruition – it was his former team who opened the door, handing him the keys to their 2023 machine for a special TPC outing.

Grosjean rolled out wearing a helmet with a deeply personal touch: a design created by his children, originally intended for the Abu Dhabi finale he never got to race. Nearly five years later, the helmet finally saw the track.

Despite wet conditions at Mugello, the slick track likely did nothing to dampen Grosjean’s infectious joy, as he relished every moment of his long-awaited return to the F1 cockpit.

SCARPERIA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 26: Romain Grosjean of France driving the (8) Haas F1 Ferrari on track during Haas F1 Testing at Mugello Circuit on September 26, 2025 in Scarperia, Italy. (Photo by Guido De Bortoli/LAT Images)more
SCARPERIA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 26: Romain Grosjean of France driving the (8) Haas F1 Ferrari on track during Haas F1 Testing at Mugello Circuit on September 26, 2025 in Scarperia, Italy. (Photo by Guido De Bortoli/LAT Images)more
Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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