Romain Grosjean Prema Racing: Formula 2 Team Announces Former F1 Driver as Strategic Advisor
Former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean has taken on a new role in the IndyCar series for 2025. Instead of competing as a full-time driver, Grosjean has joined Prema Racing as a reserve driver, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory. The veteran racer’s move to the newly formed Prema Racing team represents not just a career transition but also brings valuable Formula 1 experience to the IndyCar newcomers.
Despite not racing in the upcoming season, Grosjean has already made an impact by helping Prema secure DNS Filter as a sponsor, demonstrating his commercial value to the organization. The Swiss-born French driver brings a wealth of experience from his time in F1 and recent IndyCar seasons, positioning him as a mentor figure for the Italian racing outfit as they make their American open-wheel debut.
Prema Racing’s entry into IndyCar for 2025 has been bolstered by an impressive hiring spree that includes Grosjean and other ex-F1 personnel. This strategic assembly of experienced talent suggests Prema is taking their IndyCar venture seriously, though their rookie status makes them longshots for Indianapolis 500 glory in their debut year, even with Grosjean’s expertise in reserve.
Romain Grosjean’s Profile
Contents
Romain Grosjean has built a diverse racing career spanning Formula 1, IndyCar, and now sports car racing. His journey reveals a resilient driver who has overcome significant challenges while consistently demonstrating remarkable speed and adaptability.
Early Career and Motorsport Journey
Born in Switzerland but racing under a French license, Grosjean’s path to the top levels of motorsport wasn’t straightforward. He started his professional journey in the French Formula Renault championship before climbing through Formula 3 and GP2.
His Formula 1 career began with Renault in 2009 as a mid-season replacement, though his initial stint proved brief. After returning to lower formulas and rebuilding his reputation, he earned another F1 opportunity with Lotus in 2012.
Grosjean spent nearly a decade in F1, racing with Lotus, Haas, and other teams. His time with Haas (2016-2020) showcased his technical feedback skills despite the team’s competitive limitations. His F1 career featured 10 podium finishes but was dramatically punctuated by a fiery crash in Bahrain in 2020 – an incident that would mark the end of his F1 journey.
Transition to IndyCar Series
After surviving his horrific Bahrain crash, Grosjean made a brave career pivot to the IndyCar Series in 2021. Initially signing with Dale Coyne Racing for road and street courses only, his comfort level quickly grew.
Grosjean’s immediate pace in IndyCar surprised many observers. He secured pole position at the Indianapolis road course in just his third race, demonstrating his raw speed translated perfectly to American open-wheel racing.
His progression continued with Juncos Hollinger Racing, though results have been mixed. The technical differences between F1 and IndyCar presented challenges, particularly on ovals, but Grosjean adapted his driving style impressively. His fearlessness after the Bahrain incident earned him respect throughout the paddock.
Racing Performance and Milestones
Grosjean’s career statistics tell the story of a driver who maximized his equipment at every level. In F1, he achieved 10 podiums despite never having championship-winning machinery. His qualifying pace often outshone his race results.
In IndyCar, Grosjean has shown flashes of brilliance with three podium finishes. His aggressive driving style generates excitement but occasionally leads to incidents. At 38, he remains tremendously quick when the car setup matches his preferences.
Recently, Grosjean has expanded his racing portfolio by joining Lamborghini in IMSA competition. He’s also been instrumental in helping Prema Racing secure sponsorship despite not actively driving for them.
For the 2025 Indy 500, Grosjean represents a genuine dark horse. While his oval experience remains limited, his fearlessness and precision make him capable of surprising on racing’s biggest stage. His Indy 500 chances rate 6/10 – not a favorite, but certainly capable of challenging for a top-5 finish with the right strategy and a bit of luck.
Prema Racing Overview
Prema Racing has emerged as a formidable new presence in IndyCar, bringing its European racing pedigree to the American open-wheel scene. Known for excellence across multiple motorsport categories, Prema’s 2025 IndyCar program represents an ambitious expansion with strong personnel and strategic partnerships.
Team History and Motorsport Legacy
Founded by Angelo Rosin in 1983, Prema Racing has built a reputation as one of motorsport’s most successful junior formula teams. The Italian outfit has dominated Formula 2, Formula 3, and Formula Regional championships, serving as a proving ground for numerous Formula 1 talents.
Prema’s trophy cabinet is frankly ridiculous. They’ve claimed 16 team championships in Formula 3 alone since 2011. Their driver development program has helped launch the careers of Charles Leclerc, Mick Schumacher, and Oscar Piastri.
The team’s expansion into IndyCar for 2025 marks their first major venture into American racing. This move represents a significant step for a team that has methodically built success in Europe’s most competitive developmental series.
Prema’s winning culture will be tested in the ultra-competitive IndyCar environment, but few teams arrive with such a proven track record of excellence.
Management and Key Personnel
Rene Rosin, son of founder Angelo, currently leads Prema Racing as Team Principal. His leadership has guided the team through its most successful period across multiple racing categories.
The IndyCar program has assembled an impressive technical staff. Former Ganassi engineer Michael Cannon has been brought onboard to provide crucial IndyCar-specific expertise. Ryan Briscoe, former IndyCar race winner, serves in a key operational role.
Steve Barker, recruited from Formula 1, manages the team’s technical operations.
| Key Personnel | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Rene Rosin | Team Principal | Son of founder, led F2/F3 success |
| Michael Cannon | Lead Engineer | Ex-Ganassi technical leader |
| Steve Barker | Technical Director | Formula 1 experience |
Partnership with Romain Grosjean
Despite not having a full-time race seat, Romain Grosjean serves as Prema’s reserve driver for their 2025 IndyCar campaign. The Swiss-French racer brings valuable experience from Formula 1 and IndyCar to the new program.
Grosjean has already made business impacts, helping Prema secure DNS Filter as a sponsor despite not racing full-time. His technical feedback will prove invaluable for the team’s Chevrolet-powered Dallara.
The former Haas F1 driver had some of his most impressive performances with smaller IndyCar teams, including poles and podiums with Dale Coyne Racing. This experience with building up programs makes him particularly valuable to Prema’s first-year effort.
For the Indy 500, Prema shows dark horse potential. Their technical strength and Grosjean’s oval experience give them a realistic shot at a top-10 finish, though victory would be remarkable for a first-year entry.
IndyCar Series Insights
The NTT IndyCar Series provides a unique racing environment where Romain Grosjean and Prema Racing will need to adapt quickly to succeed. The championship demands specific skills and knowledge that differ significantly from Formula 1 and other racing series.
NTT IndyCar Series Introduction
The NTT IndyCar Series represents North American open-wheel racing at its finest, combining oval tracks, street circuits, and road courses into a diverse championship. Founded in 1996 as the Indy Racing League before rebranding, the series has evolved into a highly competitive field where both driver skill and team strategy play crucial roles.
For 2025, PREMA has officially launched its first IndyCar program at an impressive event in Charlotte. The team brings European racing excellence to American shores, adding international flair to the grid.
Teams typically run 2-3 cars with identical chassis (Dallara) but can choose between Honda and Chevrolet engines. This creates a more level playing field than F1, with success hinging on setup expertise and driving skill rather than massive budget advantages.
Differentiating Factors in IndyCar Racing
IndyCar stands apart from other racing series with its distinct characteristics. Unlike F1’s specialized tracks, IndyCar races on super-speedways, short ovals, road courses, and temporary street circuits – demanding versatility from drivers.
The cars feature standardized Dallara chassis with either Honda or Chevrolet powerplants, producing about 700 horsepower. No power steering means physical demands are intense, especially on street circuits like St. Petersburg where the season traditionally begins.
Race strategy differs dramatically too. Fuel saving becomes critical, with drivers actively managing consumption. Pit stops involve fewer crew members than F1, making execution timing crucial.
Perhaps most notably, the competition remains remarkably tight. A half-second often separates the entire field in qualifying, making precision mandatory. For Grosjean in his reserve driver role with PREMA, this learning curve presents both challenge and opportunity.
The Importance of Team Performance
In IndyCar, team performance can make or break championship hopes. While driver talent matters tremendously, the operational excellence of the crew often determines race outcomes.
PREMA Racing’s entry brings fresh energy to the series. They’ve wisely assembled experienced personnel including F1 and IndyCar veteran Romain Grosjean as reserve driver and Ryan Briscoe as sporting advisor. This combination of European racing philosophy with American oval expertise creates an intriguing mix.
Pit stop execution remains critical – a fumbled wheel change can destroy race strategy instantly. Teams must nail the timing of stops, particularly during caution periods that bunch the field.
Weather adaptation also plays a huge role, with teams needing to make split-second decisions about tire choices and setup adjustments. For a new team like PREMA, building this operational rhythm quickly will determine their 2025 success potential.
Notable Tracks and Events
The crown jewel of IndyCar remains the Indianapolis 500 – “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Held at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this 500-mile race tests endurance, strategy, and courage at speeds exceeding 230 mph.
For the 2025 Indy 500, PREMA faces steep odds as a newcomer. Even with Grosjean’s experience as a reserve driver, winning requires mastering oval racing’s unique challenges. Their realistic Indy 500 potential:
| Category | Rating (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speed potential | 6 | New team learning curve |
| Strategic expertise | 7 | Experienced advisors help |
| Driver talent | 7 | Solid lineup but rookies on ovals |
| Overall Indy 500 chances | 6 | Dark horse contender |
Beyond Indianapolis, the season features challenging street fights in St. Petersburg and Long Beach, technical road courses like Laguna Seca, and high-speed ovals including Texas Motor Speedway.
Each venue demands specific setup knowledge and driving techniques. For PREMA, quickly building this database of track-specific information remains their biggest 2025 challenge.
Technical Aspects of Racing
Prema Racing’s entry into IndyCar brings sophisticated technical expertise from their success in other racing categories. Their partnership with Romain Grosjean adds valuable insight into hybrid technology implementation and vehicle dynamics that could prove crucial in the competitive American open-wheel series.
Engineering and Vehicle Dynamics
Prema Racing faces a steep learning curve in IndyCar, but they’re assembling an impressive technical team. The team must master the Dallara IR-18 chassis while adapting to IndyCar’s unique oval and road course setup requirements.
Vehicle dynamics in IndyCar differ significantly from Formula 1, where Grosjean spent most of his career. The cars are heavier, generate less downforce, and utilize mechanical grip more prominently. This creates a different driving experience that Grosjean has experienced firsthand.
Prema will benefit from Grosjean’s expertise with the new hybrid technology. The system was introduced at Mid-Ohio in July 2024, giving teams added power deployment options and recovery systems to master.
The engineering challenge includes balancing mechanical and aerodynamic grip across diverse circuits, from tight street courses to high-speed ovals like Indianapolis.
Role of the Race Engineer
The race engineer serves as the critical link between driver and car, translating feedback into setup changes. Prema Racing has made significant hires in this department to complement Grosjean’s reserve driver role.
Michael Cannon and Robert Gue bring valuable IndyCar experience to the team’s engineering lineup. Their expertise will help Prema navigate the complex setup choices required for different track configurations.
Race engineers must analyze massive amounts of data during race weekends, making split-second strategy decisions that can determine race outcomes. Communication between engineer and driver becomes especially crucial during chaotic race situations.
For Indianapolis 500 preparation, engineers face the ultimate test: finding the perfect balance between straight-line speed and cornering stability. A strong engineering relationship could give Prema a fighting chance at the 2025 Indy 500, though as newcomers, they’ll face an uphill battle against established teams.
Chevrolet-Powered Vehicles in IndyCar
Prema Racing has aligned with Chevrolet power for their IndyCar program, giving them access to the 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that has proven competitive in recent seasons. The Chevy package offers strong top-end power characteristics that particularly shine on superspeedways.
The Chevrolet-Honda engine battle remains fiercely competitive in IndyCar, with each manufacturer holding advantages at different circuits. Chevrolet teams have historically excelled in qualifying sessions, where raw power trumps fuel efficiency.
Grosjean’s experience with both Honda and Chevrolet power units during his IndyCar career provides valuable comparative insight for Prema’s engineers. This knowledge could accelerate their development curve with the Chevrolet package.
For the 2025 Indianapolis 500, Chevrolet power might give Prema a slight edge in qualifying. However, their rookie team status means a win remains unlikely despite solid power delivery. A realistic goal would be qualifying in the top half of the field and finishing in the top 15.
Romain Grosjean’s Teammates and Competitors
Prema Racing has assembled an impressive roster of talent around Grosjean for their 2025 IndyCar campaign. Each driver brings unique skills and experience from various racing disciplines, creating a diverse and competitive environment within the team and against rival outfits.
Callum Ilott’s Career and Role
Callum Ilott brings valuable experience to Prema Racing after spending his early IndyCar career with Juncos Hollinger Racing. The British driver has shown flashes of brilliance despite working with a smaller team’s limited resources.
Ilott’s background in Formula 2 and as a Ferrari test driver has given him solid technical feedback skills. His adaptability to American racing has improved considerably over the past seasons.
For the 2025 Indy 500, Ilott stands as a dark horse contender. His oval racing skills have developed steadily, though he still lacks the experience of some veterans. Working alongside Grosjean should accelerate his development curve.
Ilott’s Key Stats:
- Previous Teams: Juncos Hollinger Racing
- Best IndyCar Finish: 5th
- Racing Style: Technically precise, smooth driving style
Robert Shwartzman’s Racing Endeavors
Shwartzman enters the IndyCar scene with Prema Racing after an impressive junior career. The Russian-Israeli driver brings valuable experience from his Formula 2 days and Ferrari testing program.
His relationship with Prema dates back to his Formula 3 and Formula 2 campaigns, where he demonstrated exceptional race craft and adaptability. This pre-existing team chemistry gives him a unique advantage as Prema builds its IndyCar program.
For the 2025 Indy 500, Shwartzman represents the ultimate rookie wildcard. Despite his oval inexperience, his natural talent and methodical approach to learning new circuits suggest he could surprise many seasoned observers.
Shwartzman’s Racing Background:
| Series | Years | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Formula 2 | 2020-2021 | 6 wins, 2nd in championship |
| Formula 3 | 2019 | Champion with Prema |
| Ferrari Test Driver | 2022-2024 | Extensive F1 development work |
Ryan Briscoe’s Impact and Experience
Ryan Briscoe brings veteran leadership to Prema, serving in both technical and reserve driver capacities. His experience across IndyCar, IMSA, and international sports car racing makes him invaluable to Prema’s new program.
Briscoe’s deep understanding of IndyCar’s technical nuances helps bridge knowledge gaps for the European-based team. His relationship with Grosjean dates back to their Formula 1 days, creating a seamless working environment.
For the 2025 Indy 500, Briscoe’s experience as a previous pole-sitter and consistent front-runner gives Prema critical strategic insights. While he may not be in a full-time race seat, his impact on the team’s Indianapolis performance cannot be overstated.
His mentorship role with younger drivers creates a knowledge transfer that benefits the entire organization. Few understand the complexities of the Brickyard better than Briscoe.
Juncos Hollinger Racing as Competitors
Juncos Hollinger Racing represents an interesting competitive dynamic for Grosjean and Prema. As a small but growing team, JHR has demonstrated remarkable efficiency with limited resources compared to larger operations.
The team has maintained a steady upward trajectory in recent seasons. Their technical partnership with Chevrolet provides a different performance profile compared to Prema’s Honda package, creating intriguing on-track battles.
For the 2025 Indy 500, JHR represents the classic underdog story. Their leaner operation means fewer data points but also allows for quicker decision-making. The team has shown particular strength on road courses, though their oval program continues to develop.
- Team Size: Smaller but efficient
- Engine Partner: Chevrolet
- Racing Philosophy: Aggressive strategy, maximizing limited resources
- Recent Momentum: Steady improvement each season
The Role of a Reserve Driver
Being a reserve driver with Prema Racing means Grosjean stands ready to jump into the car if a primary driver can’t compete. It’s a position that requires constant preparation and focus despite limited seat time.
Reserve drivers attend all team meetings and stay up-to-date with car developments. They often put in countless simulator hours to maintain their edge while providing valuable feedback to engineers.
For Grosjean specifically, this role extends beyond just waiting in the wings. He brings valuable experience from F1 and prior IndyCar seasons to help guide the team.
The Frenchman has taken on a mentoring role with Prema’s regular drivers, sharing his insights about tracks, car setups, and race strategy. This dual responsibility makes his position rather unique in the paddock.
Callum Ilott, one of Prema’s full-time drivers, has highlighted the unusual nature of Grosjean’s position within the team. The veteran’s influence extends beyond typical reserve duties.
Many insiders believe Grosjean is earning better compensation in this reserve role than he might with a full-time seat at a smaller team. Quality over quantity seems to be his current career strategy.
Regarding Indy 500 prospects, Grosjean’s chances remain a long shot for 2025. Without confirmed plans to enter the race, his participation would require a last-minute substitution. If that happened, his experience would give him a fighting chance, but the lack of oval-specific preparation would be a significant handicap.
Data Usage and Consent
When you engage with Prema Racing content about Romain Grosjean, your digital footprint matters. The team collects information to enhance your experience while also respecting your privacy rights.
Handling of Cookies and User Data
Prema Racing’s digital platforms use cookies to track how fans interact with Grosjean-related content. These small text files help the team understand which race highlights get the most views and what team merchandise attracts attention.
The team collects several types of data:
| Data Type | Purpose | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing history | Personalized content | 30 days |
| Device information | Technical optimization | 90 days |
| Location data | Regional content delivery | Session only |
Prema deletes sensitive information after each race season. Their approach is remarkably straightforward compared to other IndyCar teams—no unnecessary retention, no excessive collection.
User Consent in Motorsport Services
Prema Racing requires explicit consent before collecting data related to Grosjean’s fan interactions. When fans sign up for team updates or purchase Grosjean merchandise, they encounter clear consent forms.
The consent process includes:
- Opt-in checkboxes for email newsletters
- Transparent language about how contact information will be used
- Simple withdrawal options if fans change their minds
Prema’s approach reflects their European origins. GDPR standards have created higher expectations for user consent there. This gives Grosjean fans better control over their information than typically found in American motorsport teams.
The team recently updated their consent forms ahead of the 2025 Indy 500. Grosjean will serve as reserve driver for Prema. This ensures compliance with Indiana’s data protection requirements while maintaining their commitment to user privacy.
