Twelve months ago many were asking for the immediate dismissal of Romain Grosjean. They felt he wasn’t cut out for Formula 1 and that he was a danger to him and others on the circuit. Now it seems to have changed with Lotus F1 considering the future of the French driver.
In an AUTOSPORT article, team boss Eric Boullier offered a bit of an odd quote about the prospects for Grosjean in 2014:
“I don’t know. I need to get the written confirmation of my board and then we will see.
“Romain already has a contract with us for next year, but it is not a fixed contract. Lotus has to take the option or not. We have to do it in a few days’ time, so we will see.”
I seem to recall that quote from the Sky Sports F1 coverage interview. Nonetheless, Grosjean has redeemed himself in the eyes of many.
As for Adrian Sutil, he’s seems almost a little cagey about his aspirations for another year at Force India saying:
“It’s 50/50, it’s not that they decide what I’m allowed to do.
“I think I am in a strong position, I have done my job this year and you would have to find someone else who does the job like I do.
“If there is a better drive somewhere out there and they want him, fine take him and good luck.”
There’s been no announcement for Adrian or his teammate Paul di Resta yet but an additional year for Sutil would add to his Force India total. He drove for the team from 2007-2011 and came back this year with a handy performance.
What do you think about Grosjean and Sutil? Would you resign both drivers to their respective teams? Has Grosjean redeemed himself and has Sutil done enough for the team? Remember there are a lot of factors at play here. Sutil most likely has cash backing his position and while Lotus says they pay their drivers, I would imagine the temptation for a driver with cash might be able to dislodge Grosjean.
