In the enthralling realm of motorsport, a familiar countenance graces the standings, drawing the attention of avid Formula 1 enthusiasts. None other than Romain Grosjean, a stalwart who once donned the vibrant colors of Haas in the world of F1, now finds himself in the exhilarating domain of IndyCar. This transition to a new racing endeavor, which materialized in 2021 following his departure from Formula 1 the previous year, bears testament to Grosjean’s remarkable resilience, particularly in light of his harrowing crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Initially, Grosjean opted to compete exclusively in the captivating road and street races within the IndyCar calendar. However, he took a bold step forward by participating in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in 2021, setting the stage for a full-fledged campaign the following year. For the 2022 season, the Frenchman aligned himself with the formidable Andretti team, ultimately clinching a commendable 13th position in the final standings.
The dawn of 2023 has witnessed a resurgent Grosjean, marking an auspicious start to his campaign. The tenacious driver has already graced the podium on two occasions, demonstrating his versatility as he deftly balances his time between IndyCar and the esteemed IMSA SportsCar Championship.
As the forthcoming edition of the Indy 500 beckons, Grosjean finds himself preparing for his second appearance in this illustrious event. Last year, his debut venture culminated in a 31st-place finish, an experience that has undoubtedly provided him with valuable insights and learnings. With his unwavering determination and the burning desire to excel, Grosjean is poised to script a new chapter of triumph and redemption at this revered race.
Number 4. Takuma Sato – Chip Ganassi Racing
In the dynamic realm of IndyCar, there exists a seasoned veteran who commands respect and admiration: Takuma Sato, a tenacious 46-year-old driver with a remarkable career spanning over 14 years and 216 races. However, prior to his illustrious tenure in IndyCar, Sato honed his skills during a six-year stint in the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1.
Sato’s journey into Formula 1 commenced with the support of Honda, as he joined the ranks of the Honda-powered Jordan team in 2002. In his debut season, he showcased flashes of brilliance, securing a notable fifth-place finish in his home race while concluding the year in the 15th position in the standings. However, as the team transitioned to British American Racing, Sato was relegated to the role of test driver. His sole race appearance in 2003 materialized in the season’s finale, where he exhibited his prowess by clinching a commendable sixth-place finish in Japan.
