Romain Grosjean’s IndyCar career teeters on the brink after Juncos Hollinger Racing confirmed Conor Daly would take the final seat for the 2025 season. With few options left in the series, the 38-year-old former F1 star and fan favorite now faces tough decisions about his racing future.
Juncos Picks Daly Over Grosjean
Juncos’ decision to retain Daly alongside Sting Ray Robb effectively shuts the door on Grosjean’s immediate prospects in IndyCar. The announcement marks a significant blow to Grosjean, who joined Juncos after an arbitration-fueled exit from Andretti Autosport at the end of 2023. Despite flashes of brilliance, including standout performances in his debut IndyCar season, the Frenchman has struggled to find consistency.
Christian Horner, the team principal, praised Daly’s oval prowess as a key factor in the decision—a skill set Grosjean has openly admitted is not his strong suit. Over the last five races of 2024, Daly outperformed Grosjean, sealing the veteran’s fate.
A Crowded Silly Season
The only remaining full-time IndyCar seats are at Dale Coyne Racing, a team historically known for its revolving-door lineups and reliance on drivers who bring financial backing. While Grosjean’s experience makes him an attractive candidate, he faces stiff competition from drivers like Rinus Veekay, Linus Lundqvist, and Pietro Fittipaldi, who reportedly brings significant sponsorship.
Dale Coyne’s financial struggles further complicate Grosjean’s chances. Without a large budget or sponsor package, Grosjean would need the team to take a gamble purely on talent—a risk Coyne may be unwilling to take given its precarious position.
Beyond IndyCar: What’s Next for Grosjean?
If an IndyCar deal doesn’t materialize, Grosjean may be forced to look elsewhere. His 2024 outings in the Lamborghini program in IMSA and the World Endurance Championship (WEC) showcased his adaptability and skill, though the effort struggled to keep pace with more developed teams. Adding to the uncertainty, Lamborghini’s split with Iron Lynx leaves the manufacturer without a clear partner for 2025, limiting Grosjean’s opportunities in endurance racing.
Le Mans 24 Hours participation is off the table for now, as Lamborghini’s WEC program will not field cars next season. Even a full-time IMSA campaign seems unlikely, as Lamborghini’s involvement will focus only on long-distance events.
A Career of Peaks and Valleys
Grosjean’s IndyCar journey began with great promise. Nicknamed “The Phoenix” after surviving his fiery crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, he quickly became a fan favorite. His maiden season with Dale Coyne Racing in 2021 featured a pole position and three podiums, cementing his reputation as a fierce competitor.
However, his subsequent move to Andretti Autosport failed to deliver consistent results. While there were moments of brilliance, including near-wins and strong qualifying performances, luck and mistakes undermined his campaigns. Grosjean’s tenure at Juncos in 2024, which he called his “best year,” saw occasional standout results but ultimately fell short of expectations.
A Tough Decision Ahead
Grosjean must now decide whether to fight for one of the remaining seats at Dale Coyne or step away from IndyCar entirely. With no top-tier options available, staying in the series would likely mean another year with a struggling team—a prospect that may not align with his aspirations at this stage in his career.
Alternatively, Grosjean could pivot fully to sports car racing, where his talent and experience could make him a valuable asset for manufacturers. However, the lack of a guaranteed full-time program in 2025 complicates this path as well.
The End of the IndyCar Dream?
For a driver who captured the hearts of fans with his resilience and determination, the possibility of leaving IndyCar without achieving his full potential is a bittersweet reality. Grosjean’s story is one of incredible peaks and frustrating valleys, and while his talent is undeniable, the consistency and stability required to thrive in IndyCar eluded him.
Whether he chooses to continue battling for a seat or explore new horizons, Grosjean’s next move will mark a defining chapter in his storied career.