Grosjean supportive of Lotus buy-out by Renault

Romain Grosjean would welcome a Lotus buy-out by Renault, even if this means losing the dominant Mercedes engine and switching back to the underpowered Energy F1.

The French constructor is currently considering several options concerning its involvement in Formula One and reportedly closing in on a return as a works team, with Enstone being the prime candidate for a takeover.

Although the Renault power unit stills trails its Mercedes counterpart, but also a much-improved Ferrari unit, Grosjean believes Viry can get its act together for 2016.

“It's always nice to be part of a constructor team and I'm sure Renault is going to improve its engine,” said the Frenchman, who started his F1 career racing for the manufacturer’s factory team in 2009.

“For sure now Mercedes is the best one on the grid, but next year is a long way away in Formula One.”

Lotus’ relationship with Renault stretches back to 1995 when the French engine supplier started providing V10s to the Enstone-based outfit, then known as Benetton.

It then became the Renault F1 Team in 2002 and went on securing two double world championships with Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006 before the French constructor started withdrawing from team ownership in 2010.

Renault remained an engine supplier to the replacing organisation, first named Lotus GP Renault then Lotus F1 team, until a 2014 torrid campaign, which ended with Enstone announcing it would use Mercedes power in 2015.

Grosjean: Lotus hurt by ownership uncertainty

Click here for a lighter look at some scenes from the Hungarian Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

7 mins ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

1 hour ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

3 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

17 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

19 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

20 hours ago