Grosjean: “One of my best races”

Romain Grosjean created a surprise by climbing onto the last step of the podium at the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps, behind the Mercedes de Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. After making a good start from ninth position on the grid following his penalty, the Lotus driver found himself in battle for a podium.

By taking advantage of the virtual safety car that occurred mid-race when Daniel Ricciardo stopped on the track to make a second stop, Romain Grosjean was in a good position to resume Sebastian Vettel. The pilot Ferrari finally had to give in two laps from the finish following the bursting of his tire.

“I still can’t believe I’m on the podium.”, rejoiced Romain Grosjean who is celebrating his first podium since the Austin GP in Texas in 2013. “Everyone remembers my departure in 2012 (where Romain Grosjean caused a pile-up, which earned him a suspension for the Italian GP), but it made me stronger and I am now riding for the tenth time on the podium. »

Romain Grosjean's performance allows him to gain a position in the Championship. But above all, the Frenchman brings a breath of fresh air at the moment when Lotus F1 Team is going through a difficult situation. “It was probably one of my best races. I remember Austin, it was a long time ago, there were a lot of ups and downs... This result proves the level of performance of our car and our abilities to make good cars”, underlined the French pilot.

Discover the analysis of the Belgian GP carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2026 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.