MANAMA. – Formula One champion Mercedes would be willing to organize a farewell test for Romain Grosjean if the Frenchman, who escaped a fiery crash in Bahrain last week, is unable to return for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 34-year-old’s Haas split in half and burst into flames after spearing into the barriers at high speed on the opening lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
While he walked away from the horrific smash, Grosjean suffered second-degree burns to his hands which have forced him to miss this weekend’s race around the outer layout of the same Sakhir desert track.
Grosjean is hoping to return for the Dec. 13 finale in Abu Dhabi, which is likely to be his Formula One swan song.
But if he cannot, Grosjean, who raced for Lotus (now Renault) and Haas during his career, said he would call every team on the grid to ask about the possibility of organizing a test in January so he can say farewell to Formula One in a fitting way.
Mercedes on Saturday said they would oblige.
“If we are allowed to do this and nobody else within his universe of teams that he raced would provide him with such an opportunity, we would do this,” team principal Toto Wolff said.
Grosjean, who was discharged from hospital on Tuesday, has been at the track every day of the Sakhir Grand Prix weekend.
