Romain Grosjean says his podium finish at the 2015 Belgian Grand Prix felt similar to scoring Haas F1 Team’s first points by securing sixth in Australia this year.
The Frenchman, then driving for Lotus, claimed a superb third behind the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at Spa-Francorchamps 12 months ago.
Grosjean’s 10th career podium came at a time when the Enstone outfit’s financial difficulties were firmly in the spotlight with bailiffs present at the Lotus garage while the pack-up was under way.
“We had a good car in Belgium last year,” Grosjean said ahead of this weekend’s Belgian GP. “I had qualified fourth, but started ninth due to a gearbox penalty. We had a good strategy and good timing with a safety car, too.
“I managed to overtake a few cars and get on the podium. Honestly, it was one of those weekends where everything just goes to plan.
“It was great for all the guys, and for myself. We had a perfect weekend on the track. For everyone involved, it was a very good feeling. I guess it was kind of the same feeling as scoring the first points for Haas earlier this season.”
Despite F1 rookies Haas’ promising start to life in F1, the chances of seeing Grosjean repeat his podium-worthy performance at Spa one year on remain slim. But the 30-year-old insists this does not change his mindset.
“If I turn up at a race weekend not thinking that I’m the best, or that I can’t win the race, I’d be better off staying at home with my children,” Grosjean added. “I always want to be on the podium.
“I always want to try to win the race. Of course, it depends a lot on the car, but in the end, you can never give up and you always strive to give your best. That’s the mentality you should have.”
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