Grosjean: I was never "desperate" for 2017 Ferrari drive
Romain Grosjean says that Ferrari’s decision to retain Kimi Raikkonen for another season has little bearing on his future, because he isn’t “desperate” to leave his current Haas team.
The news came on Friday morning that Raikkonen will remain at Ferrari alongside Sebastian Vettel, putting an end to speculation that the Scuderia could have opted for an alternative such as Grosjean or Sergio Perez.
However, the Frenchman said that he felt there was still more work to be done with Haas, and that he and the American team are capable of moving up the grid in 2017.
Asked by Motorsport.com how the news of Raikkonen's renewal affects his future plans, Grosjean quipped: "Not much to be fair – I get to wear these same clothes next year!
"It's fine, it's great for him, it's the best team or the team you want to be in, so good for Kimi. But now it's clear Kimi is staying, the market is a bit closed.
"You always want to be in a team where you can be world champion, but I'm not desperate because I feel very well at Haas and there's more to do.
"I'm convinced that next year we can surprise more people."
Grosjean however didn't rule out the possibility of stepping up to Ferrari in 2018, saying: "That would be great.
"I've never hidden the fact I want to be world champion and drive for a big team. But I've discovered with Haas a very nice team, and we're doing a great job, so I'm proud to be part of that."
Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas, another driver to have been linked with a possible Ferrari move, was clear that Raikkonen's renewal changed nothing for him.
"Obviously they made their decision, it's good for Kimi," said the Finn. "I'm with Williams at the moment so it doesn't affect me."
Share Or Save This Story
Sho Tsuboi calls for Super Formula engine overhaul as Toyota “can’t properly compete with Honda”
Super Formula Sugo: Igor Fraga livid as safety car gifts Nirei Fukuzumi victory
How a Le Mans winner is changing the game for female racing in Japan
Winners and losers from the IndyCar doubleheader at Milwaukee
Mick Schumacher and Romain Grosjean talk on pit road after Milwaukee clash
Romain Grosjean “cried a little” after late-race defeat extends wait for maiden IndyCar win
Why only Oliver Bearman has the new Ferrari F1 engine at Haas
Esteban Ocon won’t get upgraded Ferrari F1 engine at Italian GP
You Ask The Questions: Esteban Ocon
Ferrari leads WEC Austin FP1 with Antonio Giovinazzi ahead of Antonio Fuoco
"We clearly have an issue" – Red Bull responds to Max Verstappen's radio complaints
F1 Italian GP: Saturday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Jimmie Johnson dismisses rumors of confrontation with John Hunter Nemechek
What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 F1 Italian GP
What we learned from the Monaco GP Court of Appeal hearing
Kimi Antonelli’s Italian GP grid penalty could be a blessing in disguise
Why Lewis Hamilton shouldn't regret his Ferrari radio rant – but why he was right to apologise
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments