Romain Grosjean Prema Racing: Formula 2 Champion Signs with Italian Powerhouse for 2026 Season
Former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean has taken on a surprising new role in the IndyCar series for 2025. The experienced French-Swiss racer has joined Prema Racing as a reserve driver, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory.
Grosjean will provide mentorship to the Italian team as they make their debut in America’s premier open-wheel racing championship.
This unexpected move comes as Prema Racing builds its IndyCar program from the ground up. The legendary European outfit, known for dominating junior formulas, has been on a hiring spree that includes both Grosjean and other former F1 personnel.
Even without racing, Grosjean has already made an impact by helping the team secure DNS Filter as a sponsor, demonstrating his value extends beyond just driving duties.
Grosjean’s transition to this supporting role represents an intriguing new chapter for a driver whose career has seen dramatic highs and lows. From his fiery Bahrain crash in F1 to podium finishes in IndyCar, fans have witnessed his journey. While fans won’t see the Phoenix-like resurrection of the “Phoenix” on track this season, his experience and technical knowledge will undoubtedly shape Prema’s American racing adventure throughout 2025.
Romain Grosjean’s Career Overview
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Romain Grosjean has built a diverse racing career spanning multiple prestigious motorsport categories. He started in European open-wheel series before moving to Formula 1 and later IndyCar competition. His journey showcases remarkable resilience and adaptability across different racing disciplines.
Early Years and Path into Motorsport
Grosjean’s racing journey began in karting before he climbed the European single-seater ladder. His breakthrough came when he won the Formula Three Euroseries in 2007, establishing himself as a promising talent on the motorsport scene.
The Frenchman’s talent didn’t go unnoticed, as he quickly secured a role as a test driver with Renault in 2008. This position served as his gateway into Formula 1, where he would eventually compete for teams like Renault, Lotus, and Haas F1.
His F1 career spanned over a decade, with 179 Grand Prix starts. Grosjean achieved 10 podium finishes during his time in Formula 1, displaying flashes of brilliance despite often competing in midfield machinery.
Transition to IndyCar Series
After departing Formula 1 following a dramatic fiery crash in Bahrain in 2020, Grosjean reinvented his career by moving to the IndyCar Series. His transition showcased his remarkable adaptability and determination.
The Swiss-French driver impressed immediately in American open-wheel racing, delivering some of his best performances with smaller teams. His stint with Dale Coyne Racing yielded impressive results, including a pole position and three podium finishes.
Grosjean’s aggressive driving style and European racing background brought a fresh dynamic to the IndyCar paddock. His four-year IndyCar career demonstrated his versatility across different racing disciplines and his ability to remain competitive in a new racing environment.
Role as a Reserve Driver
For the 2025 season, Grosjean has taken a new direction in his career by becoming the reserve driver for Prema Racing’s IndyCar team. This marks a significant shift from his previous full-time racing commitments.
The move to Prema – a powerhouse in junior formulae now expanding into IndyCar – aligns Grosjean with a prestigious racing organization. Industry insiders suggest Grosjean may be receiving better compensation in this reserve role than he might have secured with a smaller full-time team.
This position keeps Grosjean connected to high-level motorsport while potentially opening doors for future opportunities. With his extensive experience across multiple racing categories, he brings valuable knowledge to Prema as they navigate their entry into the competitive IndyCar Series.
Prema Racing’s History and Evolution
Prema Racing has emerged as a powerhouse in motorsport, developing from a modest Italian racing team to a dominant force across multiple racing categories. Their recent expansion into IndyCar marks another chapter in their impressive journey.
Founding and Development
Prema Racing, originally known as Prema Powerteam, was founded by Angelo Rosin in Italy. The team began with modest ambitions but clear vision: to develop young racing talent and compete at the highest levels of motorsport.
From its early days, Prema focused on junior formulae, creating a reputation as a talent factory. The leadership eventually expanded to include Rene Rosin, who helped modernize the team’s approach to driver development and technical innovation.
The team’s methodical growth strategy involved mastering one racing category before expanding to others. This careful approach allowed Prema to maintain quality as they increased their footprint in European motorsport.
Their recent expansion into IndyCar represents one of their most ambitious moves yet, bringing their expertise to American open-wheel racing.
Achievements in Racing Series
Prema’s trophy cabinet tells the story of their excellence. The team has dominated Formula 3 and established themselves as frontrunners in Formula 2, developing numerous drivers who later reached Formula 1.
Their championship record speaks volumes:
| Racing Series | Championships | Notable Champions |
|---|---|---|
| Formula 2 | 3 | Charles Leclerc, Mick Schumacher |
| Formula 3 | 7 | Oscar Piastri, Robert Shwartzman |
| Formula Regional | 4 | Gianluca Petecof, Dino Beganovic |
Their technical excellence is matched by an uncanny ability to nurture talent. Many current F1 drivers passed through Prema’s program, showcasing the team’s eye for identifying and developing future stars.
The team’s expansion into IndyCar with Romain Grosjean as reserve driver demonstrates their ambition to conquer American racing with the same methodical approach that brought them European success.
Technical Collaboration and Performance
Prema Racing’s entry into IndyCar brings a sophisticated technical approach backed by decades of excellence in other racing categories. Their collaboration with key personnel and manufacturers positions them as a serious contender despite being newcomers to the series.
Engineering Excellence at Prema
Prema’s technical strength lies in its carefully assembled engineering team. The addition of Michael Cannon as Lead Race Engineer brings invaluable IndyCar experience. Cannon has previously guided drivers to victories at established teams and knows the American racing landscape intimately.
Steve Barker, serving as Technical Director, oversees the integration of Prema’s European racing philosophy with IndyCar’s unique challenges. His methodical approach focuses on data-driven development and rapid problem-solving during race weekends.
Robert Gue rounds out this powerhouse trio, specializing in vehicle dynamics. This engineering dream team gives Romain Grosjean a technical foundation few reserve drivers enjoy. Their collaborative approach has already impressed during initial simulator sessions.
Strategic Partnership with Manufacturers
Prema’s technical partnerships form the backbone of their performance potential. Their relationship with engine suppliers prioritizes both reliability and power delivery characteristics suited to Grosjean’s driving style.
The team has established a robust technical pipeline with chassis manufacturers, allowing for customized setups that maximize Grosjean’s Formula 1 experience. This collaboration includes specialized development for different track types:
| Track Type | Technical Focus | Expected Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Road Courses | Braking stability | High |
| Ovals | Consistent handling | Medium |
| Street Circuits | Mechanical grip | Very High |
Prema’s impressive launch event revealed sophisticated simulation tools developed through these partnerships. The team’s technical foundation emphasizes adaptability while maintaining the engineering precision that made them dominant in junior categories.
IndyCar Series Racing Dynamics
The IndyCar Series represents one of motorsport’s most challenging environments, combining high-speed ovals with technical road courses that test both drivers and teams to their limits. PREMA Racing’s entry with Grosjean as reserve driver adds another layer to this competitive landscape.
Regulations and Race Strategy
IndyCar’s rulebook creates a uniquely level playing field compared to other top-tier racing series. All teams use the same Dallara IR-18 chassis with either Honda or Chevrolet engines, putting emphasis on team setup expertise and driver skill rather than budget.
Race strategy in IndyCar revolves around careful fuel management, tire conservation, and perfectly timed pit stops. A typical IndyCar race features 2-3 pit stops with teams often splitting strategies based on yellow flag predictions. These strategic elements become particularly crucial on road courses, where PREMA Racing will need to excel as newcomers to the series.
Push-to-pass offers drivers around 200 seconds of extra horsepower throughout races. The tactical deployment of this boost can make the difference between winning and finishing mid-pack.
Notable Teams and Competitors
The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series field represents one of the most competitive grids in racing, with established powerhouses facing fresh challengers.
Top Teams in 2025 IndyCar:
| Team | Engine | Notable Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Penske | Chevrolet | Will Power, Josef Newgarden |
| Chip Ganassi | Honda | Alex Palou, Scott Dixon |
| Andretti | Honda | Colton Herta, Kyle Kirkwood |
| Arrow McLaren | Chevrolet | Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi |
| PREMA Racing | Chevrolet | New entry with Grosjean as reserve |
PREMA enters with experience from other racing categories but faces steep competition. Their addition brings European racing pedigree to IndyCar, though they’ll need time to adapt to oval racing‘s unique challenges.
Romain Grosjean’s presence as reserve driver provides valuable experience, having competed in 64 IndyCar races over four seasons prior to joining PREMA.
Key Racing Events and Circuits
The IndyCar calendar blends tradition with diversity across its 17-race schedule. It features street circuits, road courses, and the iconic oval speedways that define American racing.
The season traditionally kicks off in St. Petersburg, Florida with a challenging street circuit that immediately tests team preparation.
Mid-season highlights include Road America and Mid-Ohio’s technical road courses that reward precise setup and driver skill.
The crown jewel remains the Indianapolis 500, motorsport’s greatest spectacle held at the famed 2.5-mile oval. This event alone draws over 300,000 spectators and represents both the physical and spiritual center of IndyCar. PREMA Racing’s ability to adapt to Indianapolis will largely determine their rookie season success.
Other critical venues include Long Beach’s historic street circuit and the season-ending Laguna Seca road course, where championships are often decided on the infamous “Corkscrew” turn.
Romain Grosjean’s Impact on Prema Racing
Romain Grosjean has become a pivotal figure for Prema Racing’s IndyCar program despite taking a reserve driver role. His Formula 1 experience and recent IndyCar knowledge have significantly strengthened the team’s technical approach and commercial appeal.
Contribution to Team Growth
Grosjean’s involvement with Prema Racing has extended far beyond just being a backup driver. The former F1 star has helped Prema acquire DNS Filter as a sponsor, demonstrating his commercial value to the organization.
His technical feedback, honed through years in Formula 1 and four seasons across three different IndyCar teams, provides Prema with invaluable development insights.
Race Engineer collaborations have been particularly fruitful, with Grosjean’s detailed technical knowledge helping refine the car setup process.
The “Phoenix” – as he’s known after surviving a horrific F1 crash – brings mainstream recognition to Prema’s IndyCar effort. His appointment signals Prema’s serious intentions in the series, attracting attention from sponsors and fans alike.
Partnership with Teammates and Staff
Grosjean’s relationship with Prema’s full-time drivers Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman has created a strong technical triangle. His experience complements Ilott’s growing IndyCar knowledge and Shwartzman’s raw talent.
The Frenchman’s previous indirect work with Prema through the Lamborghini sportscar programme established working relationships long before his official role. This familiarity has accelerated team integration.
Sporting Director Ryan Briscoe particularly benefits from Grosjean’s insights. Their combined racing experience – Briscoe in IndyCar and Grosjean in F1 – creates a powerful strategic brain trust.
Driver Experience Comparison:
| Driver | F1 Experience | IndyCar Experience | Other Major Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grosjean | 179 starts | 4 seasons | WEC, Lamborghini GT |
| Ilott | Test driver | 2 seasons | Formula 2 |
| Shwartzman | Test driver | Rookie | Formula 2, WEC |
Key Stakeholders and Industry Relations
Prema Racing’s IndyCar venture has quickly established a network of influential relationships that power their ambitious 2025 campaign. Their success hinges on the strength of these partnerships and how effectively they manage their public image in the competitive American racing landscape.
Collaboration with Sponsors and Partners
Prema’s entry into IndyCar has been bolstered by strategic partnerships, with Romain Grosjean playing a crucial role despite not being a full-time driver. The former F1 star has helped Prema acquire DNS Filter as a sponsor, showcasing his value beyond the cockpit. This demonstrates how driver influence extends to business development.
The team’s technical partners include established motorsport suppliers that enable them to compete immediately. Their partnership structure follows the European model that served them well in Formula 2 and Formula 3, but adapted for IndyCar’s unique requirements.
Consent agreements between Prema and their partners likely include performance clauses and marketing requirements that align with the team’s long-term IndyCar strategy. These agreements typically outline specific services each party provides, creating mutual accountability.
Media and Public Relations
Prema has taken a bold approach to public relations, exemplified by their shock signing of Grosjean as reserve driver. This announcement generated significant media attention, exactly what a new team needs when entering a crowded marketplace.
The relationship between drivers and team personnel forms the backbone of Prema’s public narrative. Similar to how F1 engineers work closely with drivers, Prema has focused on building strong internal connections that translate to effective external communication.
Press conferences featuring Callum Ilott, Robert Shwartzman, and Grosjean have been carefully orchestrated to present a unified team message while highlighting their European racing pedigree. Their PR strategy emphasizes their decorated history in feeder series while acknowledging their newcomer status in IndyCar.
Future Prospects in IndyCar and Beyond
Romain Grosjean’s switch to a reserve driver role with Prema Racing marks a significant turning point in his IndyCar journey. The partnership opens interesting possibilities for both the experienced driver and the ambitious new team entering the American open-wheel series.
Potential Career Moves for Grosjean
Romain Grosjean’s path in IndyCar has taken an unexpected turn. After racing with three different teams over four seasons, the former F1 driver now finds himself in a reserve role with newcomer Prema Racing.
This position could serve as a strategic pause rather than a career endpoint. Grosjean brings valuable experience from his 64 NTT INDYCAR SERIES starts since 2021, providing Prema with crucial insights as they navigate their inaugural season.
For Grosjean, 2026 might offer fresh opportunities. Several teams typically shuffle their lineups annually, and his combination of F1 pedigree and IndyCar know-how remains attractive to sponsors and team owners alike.
A return to European racing shouldn’t be ruled out either. With his technical feedback skills and name recognition, sports car racing or advisory roles with emerging teams remain viable alternatives.
Prema’s Strategy for Upcoming Seasons
Prema Racing’s IndyCar entry represents a carefully calculated expansion for the renowned junior formula powerhouse. Securing Grosjean as a reserve driver for their inaugural season demonstrates their commitment to building slowly but surely.
The Chevrolet-powered team appears focused on establishing foundations before making bold moves. Having Grosjean’s experience to draw upon gives them a technical advantage few rookie teams enjoy.
Prema’s long-term strategy likely involves:
| Year | Expected Development |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Establish baseline performance, develop setups |
| 2026 | Target midfield results, possible driver changes |
| 2027 | Push for podiums and potential victories |
The Italian outfit has consistently turned promising operations into championship winners in other categories. Their methodical approach suggests they’re playing the long game in IndyCar. This may create an opportunity for Grosjean to return to a race seat if their 2025 performance meets expectations.
Despite not racing, Grosjean has actively helped Prema prepare for the challenges ahead, signaling a mutually beneficial relationship.
