Grosjean: I used to be an asshole

Romain Grosjean is ready to get his adventure in IndyCar with Dale Coyne Racing underway, and the Frenchman is confident his plucky demeanour has levelled out a bit as he looks to develop a strong relationship with new teammate Ed Jones.

The 34-year-old, who turns 35 in April, saw his time in Formula 1 come to an end at last season's Bahrain Grand Prix, with his fiery accident keeping him out of the final two races. He was forced to look for other options with Haas opting to bring in Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin in 2001.

Now in IndyCar with Dale Coyne Racing, Grosjean got his first test with his new team at Barber Motorsports Park. The relaxed attitude looks to have served the Frenchman well, as he is looking forward to a good relationship with Jones after being an "asshole" as a teammate in the past.

“We have a good relationship, as well," Grosjean told the media after his first day of testing. "I told him I used to be an asshole as a teammate back in the days, but now I'm 35 and I'd like us to be friendly.

“On track you want to beat them, there's no doubt, but outside of the track I think if we can be friends it's mega… [The atmosphere in IndyCar] is definitely very different from what I'm used to.

“It’s been great. I've had already some good interaction with Sebastien Bourdais. He was next to me [in pitlane] so that was easy. Takuma Sato came over.

“I saw some of the other guys. Simon Pagenaud in the pit lane – he was driving and I gave him a wave and he gave it back. So I think generally it's been great in that respect.”