JANUARY 11, 2016

Grosjean feels like citizen of the world

Romain Grosjean says he feels more European than French or Swiss.

Although identifying in F1 as a Frenchman, the 29-year-old was actually born in Geneva and still lives in Switzerland today with his young family.

"I was born in Geneva but I feel more of a French driver, because in sport my whole journey was done in France, but I appreciate the mountain air," he smiled whilst appearing on the France 2 programme On N'Est Pas Couche.

"I feel more European than French or Swiss," Grosjean added.

Amid the uncertainty about Lotus' future in F1 last year, the 29-year-old turned down the chance to stay at Enstone and lead the team as it becomes the new Renault works outfit.

Instead, he elected to join the new Ferrari-linked American outfit Haas.

Continuing the topic of his nationality, Grosjean - quoting Socrates - continued: "'I am neither of Athens or Greece, I am a citizen of the world'.

"By racing now for an American team, I can take another perspective on these matters," he said when asked about a recent controversy about a Swiss resident for tax purposes.

"We travel a lot in F1 and this opens the mind."

(GMM)