Romain Grosjean at the center of the debates

For once, Romain Grosjean and Haas were among the main protagonists of a Grand Prix, thanks to an offbeat and above all unique strategy. During the second intervention of the safety car, Grosjean was the only driver who did not stop. He found himself fifth, on medium tires.

An incongruous place as Haas is below this season. " HASWith the car we have we are forced to make strategic choices that are different from others,” commented Grosjean. If we refuel like everyone else we find ourselves fifteenth. So I stayed on track. At the restart I was worried because of the cold tires but the pace was good.”

He managed to withstand many rounds of McLaren de Carlos Sainz, sometimes with a muscular defense. He notably blocked the Spaniard by swerving at the last moment in the braking zone. "This is unacceptable " Sainz railed. “ We had the impression that he was waiting for me to get closer to him to hit me, we have to respect each other at this speed, it could have had serious consequences. »

The Frenchman, for his part, believes he has respected the rule. “I don't know exactly how it happened because in the mirrors you can see that damn, they don't work. If I exaggerated I apologize, but I always left more than a car margin. There is no rule that prohibits moving in the braking zone. I tried (Max)'s technique Verstappen, We will see what it gives. »

In 2016, the Dutchman defended in this way at the Suzuka Grand Prix to defend his second place against Hamilton. The maneuver created controversy and debate but the pilot was not punished.

The FIA ​​has several later grands prix indicated that this type of defense could result in a penalty, without giving precise limits. Romain Grosjean therefore tried the trick.

For nothing since the Frenchman finished 16^e. " I'm disgusted because I felt like I was driving like in 2013 when I made the podium. But after the second stop we found ourselves 17^e, and we end up nowhere. » Yes, at the center of the debates.