Yahoo Autos Romain Grosjean Is Hoping to Race in Abu Dhabi
Welcome to The Grid, R&T's quick roundup of the auto industry and motorsports news you should know this morning.
Romain Grosjean Wants to Race in Abu Dhabi
Haas Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean escaped one of the worst motorsports crashes we've seen in years, and yet, he still wants to get back in the car. Speaking to Racer, Haas team principal Gunther Steiner confirmed that Grosjean would be in the hospital one night longer than anticipated so his burns could be better treated, but he's already looking to get back on the track.
"Absolutely [he wants to race]. That is his aim now, to heal up, that he wants to do Abu Dhabi," Steiner said.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix would be Grosjean's last F1 race, as Haas already announced that it will be replacing him and teammate Kevin Magnussen for 2021. While it's hard to imagine getting back in an F1 car after a harrowing experience, you can't blame Grosjean for wanting to end his career on his own terms.
Haas Signs F2 Driver Nikita Mazepin
Speaking of which, Haas announced today the first of its two drivers for 2021. The team signed Russian driver Nikita Mazepin to a multi-year deal, per the BBC, and while the second seat hasn't been confirmed yet, Mick Schumacher (son of Michael) is the favorite. Mazepin is currently third in the F2 championship with two wins this season, so he's quick, but as the son of a billionaire, he brings much-needed cash to the table. Hopefully a win-win for Haas, then.
Infighting at Volkswagen
Oh to be a fly on the wall at a Volkswagen Group board meeting. The latest drama? Current chief Herbert Diess is seeking a contract extension years before his current deal ends in 2023. Reuters reports that essentially, he's asking for a vote of confidence as he pushes forward big changes at VW, including a push for electrification and cost cuts around the board. His efforts have been stymied by labor leaders, including board member Bernd Osterloh, and local politicians, who have voting power at the company.
"When I took office in Wolfsburg, I had firmly resolved to change the VW system. This meant breaking up old, encrusted structures and making the company more agile and modern," Diess wrote in a column. "Together with many companions with the same level of motivation, I succeeded in doing this in many places, but not in some, especially not yet at our corporate headquarters in Wolfsburg."
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