JANUARY 11, 2016

Grosjean feels like citizen of the world

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

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)