Romain Grosjean's R8G team to manage Haas F1 esports effort

Romain Grosjean on his first day of IndyCar testing — Photo: © LAT Images

Haas

Grosjean's R8G team to manage Haas F1 esports effort

Grosjean drove for Haas for five years from 2016

Sam Hall

Wednesday 24 March 2021 11:23

Romain Grosjean's R8G Esports team will manage Haas' participation in the Formula 1 Esports Pro Series this year, the Frenchman continuing to work with the team he left at the end of last year.

Grosjean raced with Haas for five years from 2016 when the team joined the F1 paddock. His time was cut short at the end of last season after suffering a horrific crash in Bahrain.

The Frenchman established his own esports team in April last year and the outfit quickly became a force to be reckoned with, claiming 45 wins and 103 podiums in its first year.

F1 launched its Pro Series in 2017 and all 10 real-world teams compete in the championship.

“I’m very happy to be managing Uralkali Haas F1 Team’s entry this year in the F1 Esports Pro Series through R8G Esports,” said Grosjean.

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“I’ve been involved in esports for a year now and I believe our team is doing very well. For me, being able to help Haas F1 in this field, and going racing together – well, it’s a great story.

"Obviously, it’s a cool continuation of what we built together. So, I’m very much looking forward to the first race and to see what we can build together in esports competition.”

Last year, Haas finished ninth in the standings but won the Virtual Grand Prix championship earlier this year with brothers Pietro and Enzo Fittipaldi behind the wheel.

Team principal Guenther Steiner said he was "delighted" to welcome Grosjean back in this capacity and that the move will take the program "to the next level".

“I’m delighted that we get to utilise Romain’s enthusiasm for esports and R8G Esports’ expertise to oversee our continued participation in the F1 Esports Pro Series,” he said.

“It’s an important step up for us in terms of our involvement from previous seasons. We know we’re partnering with a group that truly understands the demands of the esports environment and can help take our program to the next level.

"We’ve had some memorable points-earning finishes in past F1 Esports Pro Series and won this season’s Virtual Grand Prix Series. It would be fantastic to maintain that form under the guidance of R8G Esports in the F1 Esports Pro Series this season.”