NOVEMBER 13, 2016

Grosjean backs Magnussen's Renault exit

Romain Grosjean has backed his incoming teammate Kevin Magnussen's decision to leave the works Renault team in order to join Haas.

Romain Grosjean has backed his incoming teammate Kevin Magnussen's decision to leave the works Renault team in order to join Haas.

A year ago, Frenchman Grosjean made the very same decision to leave Lotus, the Enstone based team that would shortly become known as Renault.

In 2017, they will both race for Haas, the new American team that in 2017 will tackle its second season on the grid.

But earlier in Brazil, continuing Renault driver Jolyon Palmer expressed surprise about Magnussen's choice, saying a single-year deal with a works team is worth more than a multi-year contract with a smaller outfit like Haas.

When asked at Interlagos if he sympathises with Magnussen's decision, however, Grosjean answered: "Yes, I understand it.

"In my opinion, he clearly explained why he is deciding to leave his team and why he was not comfortable there.

"What I can say is that at Haas the atmosphere is great and it's straightforward. Yes, Haas has less than Renault, but we have achieved better results and I hope that this will continue in the future," Grosjean added.

(GMM)