Romain Grosjean Sues Andretti Global

Romain Grosjean, a former Formula 1 driver who transitioned to IndyCar, is taking legal action against Andretti Autosport (now known as Andretti Global) regarding a contract dispute. Grosjean believes that he is owed compensation as a result of an option year in his IndyCar contract, which he claims Andretti did not honor. It is suggested that an initial contract extension was agreed upon during the mid-season, but Andretti never finalized it.

Grosjean has hired the law firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP to represent him in arbitration against Andretti Global. This move follows a similar legal dispute involving another IndyCar driver, Alex Palou, and his former team, Chip Ganassi Racing. Palou eventually settled his case and returned to the team for the past season.

Andretti Global has signed Marcus Ericsson as a replacement for Grosjean in the No. 28 Honda, but it remains uncertain whether Grosjean’s legal action is aimed at obtaining compensation for a potential third contract year. Grosjean has struggled in some races, including a crash in the Indianapolis 500, which may have contributed to Andretti’s reluctance to finalize a new contract.

Grosjean released an official statement expressing disappointment at not continuing with Andretti Autosport and confirmed his pursuit of other options for his IndyCar career. He has initiated arbitration proceedings in Indiana to protect his rights in this matter.

LIMITED STATEMENT OF ROMAIN GROSJEAN REGARDING ARBITRATION pic.twitter.com/BUkCwzZCPd

— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) October 4, 2023

Andretti Global responded to Romain Grosjean with a brief statement, adhering to their policy of not commenting on ongoing legal matters. Speculation suggests that Grosjean might return to his initial IndyCar team, Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing, in 2024, where he had a successful season in 2021.

Andretti Global’s lineup for the next season may undergo changes, with the possibility of downsizing from four teams to three, and several drivers, including Devlin DeFrancesco, are expected to leave the team. Colton Herta, Kyle Kirkwood, and Ericsson are among the likely drivers for the 2024 season, with Marco Andretti returning for the Indy 500.