Romain Grosjean has opted to a pursue an arbitration procedure against his former IndyCar team, Andretti Autosport.
Grosjean, who migrated from F1 to IndyCar in 2021 with Dale Coyne Racing, raced for two seasons with Andretti, achieving three podiums with the team but no wins.
But Grosjean's results with the team followed a downtrend over the summer, with the former Haas F1 charger claiming just a single top-ten finish in the second part of his IndyCar campaign.
There were also a few contentious moments this year, out on the track and behind closed doors, between Grosjean and his Andretti teammates.
In late August, team boss Michael Andretti announced that he was committed to running a three-car team in 2024 that will include new recruit Marcus Ericsson, and incumbents Colton Herta and Kyle Kirkwood.
According to RACER, Grosjean believes that he is entitled to compensation from Andretti, having initially signed a contract extension with the team.
However, after a change of heart based on Grosjean's end-of-season poor form, the extension was never counter-signed by the team.
This has triggered Grosjean's arbitration which he announced on social media on Wednesday.
LIMITED STATEMENT OF ROMAIN GROSJEAN REGARDING ARBITRATION pic.twitter.com/BUkCwzZCPd
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) October 4, 2023
“I enjoyed working with the IndyCar team at Andretti Autosport, and am proud of the successes we shared through two seasons,” read Grosjean’s statement.
“I am thankful for the many friendships developed at the highest level of American open-wheel racing.
“I had expected to continue racing with the fine people of Andretti Autosport in the coming year. 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 against Andretti Autosport, seeking to protect by rights. I am represented by John Maley and Mark Owens of Barnes & Thornburg, LLP.”
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