Grosjean borrows from ‘Days of Thunder’ in response to Rahal

MIAMI GARDENS (Fla.

Romain Grosjean used an expression from “Days of Thunder” as a way to ignore criticisms from Graham Rahal after a late contact in the IndyCar race last week.

Grosjean explained to The Associated Press that racing is rubbing. This was Grosjean’s statement on Thursday as he sat in the paddock before this weekend’s Formula One Miami Grand Prix. “I don’t know. I was there for some good points, and I wanted more.”

Grosjean was stopped by an old friend; warmly welcomed by a former teammate; and then greeted in French with a fellow citizen. Grosjean, who has been out F1 since his fiery crash in late 2020, was then stopped by an old acquaintance. A former team member warmly greeted him and he was then greeted in French by a fellow countryman.

Grosjean, who has moved his family from Switzerland into the Miami area, will be back in the paddock to serve as race ambassador for the inaugural event. Grosjean is also fresh from a Sunday incident at Barber Motorsport Park, Alabama, which drew a harsh rebuke form Rahal.

Rahal believed he had given Grosjean enough space to be fair in his race for eighth place. Instead, he claimed Grosjean had intentionally hit him and attacked Grosjean’s reputation.

Grosjean, who was unwinnable in F1 for 10 seasons, was suspended in F1’s first race a decade back for his part in a crash. He escaped burning to his death after he was freed from the fiery wreckage in which he was trapped with only two races left in his F1 career.

Rahal: “Another driver in this series told me that you can’t teach an older dog new tricks.” Rahal said. “We are quickly learning his reputation here. I believe that if race control isn’t willing to do anything, they won’t do anything. However, if they decide to punt him, they should not do anything to me. I’ve been penalized much less in the past.

Rahal’s assessment did not bother Grosjean.

It was racing. That’s it. He grinned.

He was focused on his return to F1 where he is still a well-known figure. Grosjean is delighted for Kevin Magnussen, his former teammate — Magnussen and Grosjean lost their jobs at the end 2020. Magnussen was called to Haas this season — and has been pleasantly surprised with Haas’ improvement.

“I’m very happy for Kevin. Grosjean said that Kevin was always looking for a single-seater and that he spoke with him at Sebring testing. said. “He wanted IndyCar. Then, just a few weeks later he’s back in Formula One. With a team who can provide him with a good car. That’s really nice.”

Grosjean still has the scars from his accident, but he is moving on. Grosjean is content to drive IndyCar for Andretti the entire season and is ready to make his Indianapolis 500 debut later in the month. Grosjean is eighth in standings but has one podium finish. He was fifth in the season opener.

Grosjean smiled and said, “Andretti seems to be going pretty well.” “We have to win.”

The Phoenix made yet another appearance.