Romain Grosjean believes the scenario that saw Valtteri Bottas become a Mercedes driver in 2017 is proof he can still hope for a seat at Ferrari for 2018.
The French driver has always targeted a potential seat at the Scuderia, with many claiming it was the motive behind his decision to join the Haas F1 team at the beginning of 2016, due to their technical as well as engine partnership with Maranello.
The driver situation at Ferrari is still becoming increasingly unclear with neither Sebastian Vettel nor Kimi Raikkonen yet signed for next season. Though a new deal for the German seems likely, many names have been linked to Raikkonen’s seat, including the surprise potential for a Fernando Alonso return.
“I don’t know the answer,” Grosjean said when asked if he considered himself an option for the Italian team.
“Life is full of surprises. I think if you ask Valtteri (Bottas) what he was doing (in 2017) in December he would have said Williams and, next thing you know, he’s in a world champion’s car.
“So it’s a phone call (away) and the best we can do is the best job on track.”
Grosjean’s stock has improved massively since the low of Spa 2012 and much of Haas’ success since joining the grid last year has been down to the 10-time podium sitter.
“I think it’s early days. We’re not even in July,” he said of the Haas project.
“I’m frustrated sometimes because I love winning and that’s all that matters to me in F1.
“Obviously you come from other categories where you’ve won everything and then you come to F1 and don’t get the chance. It’s like you’re starting the race 10 seconds behind the others.”
When it comes to predicting where he’ll be racing in 2018, the 31-year-old admits: “Who knows what the grid is going to look like next year. Valtteri is waiting on Mercedes, then there’s Kimi (Raikkonen) — what’s he going to do?
“Everyone since 2010 has said he’s going to be out of formula one and yet here we are and he’s 37 and still here doing a decent job. So I don’t know.
“If there is an opportunity, if there is a seat, I believe I’m in a good position,” Grosjean concluded.