Grosjean still set on racing - but F1 career is 'over'

©Haas

Romain Grosjean remains a racer at heart and hopes to open a new chapter in his career as a driver, but F1 is "over" as far as the Frenchman is concerned.

Grosjean was set to leave F1 at the end of 2020 season following Haas' decision to refresh its line-up.

However, the 34-year-old suffered a premature and painful exit when he crashed on the opening lap of the Bahrain GP, miraculously surviving the fiery wreck.

Grosjean was deprived by his injuries - minor burns to his hands - of a swansong outing in F1. But the Frenchman harbors no regrets over his truncated exit from the sport.

"No, no regrets at all. No regrets because the final decision not to go to Abu Dhabi was mine," he told French newspaper Ouest France.

"Just before I went to see the doctor, to see if I could race, I realised I couldn’t race. I had made my decision, he only confirmed what I felt.

"Once you make your own decision, you accept it more easily."

©Haas

Grosjean is keen on pursuing his career in racing and is reportedly in talks with Dale Coyne Racing about a potential drive in the IndyCar series.

But the door to Formula 1 now appears shut for good, by circumstances and by choice.

"From a driver’s point of view, I think it’s over," he said. "I don’t want to come back just to come back. It doesn’t interest me.

"And then, when you look at the grid, the good seats are all taken. There’s little interest in coming back.

"I will keep a small role nevertheless in the F1 Drivers’ Association (GPDA). I will continue to take part in the meetings. It’s something that’s really close to my heart."

Read also: Grosjean one of the best ones out there, 'on a good day' - Steiner

If his racing aspirations this year don't pan out, could he envisage devoting his time to a job on the sidelines of motorsport, as a TV commentator or as a driver manager?

"I haven’t really thought about it. And at the moment I’m not really tempted by it any more than that," he said. "Although only fools don’t change their minds (laughs)!

"I’m more interested in finding a new chapter in my career. What I like is racing. I would like to continue doing it."

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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.