Romain Grosjean: “It’s poorly paid”

For the Haas home Grand Prix F1 Team, Romain Grosjean was hoping for another outcome, than a retirement in the first laps of the United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Starting from the top 10, the Frenchman was involved in a three-way fight on the first lap with Esteban Ocon (Racing Point Force India) and Charles Leclerc (Alfa Romeo Sauber) braking on the long COTA straight.

A fight which led to contact between the Frenchman and the Monegasque, with a consecutive retirement for the Haas driver, despite a first return to the pits. “The power steering had taken a hit and the steering wheel was at 90° on the straights, comments Grosjean on Canal +.

I think I brake earlier than Charles and Esteban, but I find myself in dirty air, and I can't stop the car. We see that the front wheel is locking, I try to turn to avoid contact with the Sauber. But he was preparing his exit. I'm sorry for him and very frustrated for the team at home.

This is not what we wanted, especially since I tried to be careful. I lost quite a few positions in sector 1 because it was fought in all directions. Charles and Esteban had already touched at turn 8, so I wanted to be careful. It's poorly paid »

With the potential good result of Renault de Nico Hulkenberg et Carlos Sainz, 6th and 7th at the halfway mark Haas could lose big in the fight with the French manufacturer for fourth place in the Manufacturers' standings.