Grosjean and Andretti had a tenuous relationship in their two years working together. Photo: Kevin Dejewski
Romain Grosjean has revealed that he has commenced arbitration proceedings against Andretti Autosport over the loss of his IndyCar seat.
The Frenchman has driven for Andretti for the past two seasons, and it became apparent toward the end of this past year that he would not continue to drive for the team in 2024.
No formal announcement of his departure was ever distributed, just a couple spoken comments confirming he would be leaving the team, which led to assumptions that the decision to split was not fully amicable.
Those assumptions were confirmed with the news that he is entering arbitration against the team in order to solve their dispute.
Grosjean revealed the news on Wednesday afternoon, posting a message to social media explaining the situation and saying that he believed he would be able to continue racing with the team into the future.
“I enjoyed working with the IndyCar team at Andretti Autosport, and am proud of the successes we shared through two seasons,” read Grosjean’s statement on social media. “I am thankful for the many friendships developed at the highest level of American open-wheel racing.
“I had expected to continue racing with the fine people of Andretti Autosport in the coming year. I am disappointed that is not being fulfilled, and wish Andretti team members well. I am pursuing other options to continue my IndyCar career in pursuit of excellence.
“I have commenced an arbitration proceeding against Andretti Autosport, seeking to protect by rights. I am represented by John Maley and Mark Owens of Barnes & Thornburg, LLP.”
LIMITED STATEMENT OF ROMAIN GROSJEAN REGARDING ARBITRATION pic.twitter.com/BUkCwzZCPd
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) October 4, 2023
Arbitration is a bit different than a full lawsuit, such as the one Alex Palou is embroiled in with McLaren, and likely means the two sides will be able to agree on a solution without a drawn-out process and without going to court.
Grosjean was known to be at the center of a few intra-team disputes in his time at Andretti. He was seen multiple times having heated arguments with his crew, and has made more than a few drivers angry with his on-track driving in the past couple seasons.
It is unknown how much those incidents factored into Andretti’s decision not to extend his contract, or how far along those discussions were.
At this time, Grosjean does not have an announced ride for the 2024 IndyCar season, although he will be part of Lamborghini’s GTP sportscar program.
Keyword: Grosjean enters arbitration against Andretti over IndyCar seat