Romain Grosjean says ‘thanks but no thanks’ to Sir Jackie Stewart’s offer

By IAN PARKES
Published on 21/07/2012 01:39

ROMAIN Grosjean has turned down triple Formula 1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart’s offer of being a mentor.

Grosjean has, so far, enjoyed a strong first half of the campaign, finishing on the podium for Lotus in Bahrain and Canada to lie seventh in the standings with 61 points. The Frenchman, however, has been involved in incidents which have potentially cost him points, resulting in Scottish sporting legend Stewart coming forward to assist the 26-year-old.

Working as an ambassador this season for Lotus team owners Genii, the 73-year-old this week remarked: “I said to Romain it would be a good idea if he came for lunch one day so we could have a bit of chat.

“It is ridiculous in Formula One that we don’t have coaches. I am not looking to be a coach, but I know I can help him.”

Grosjean has confirmed that he worked with a mental coach from 2007 to 2009 when he was in Formula Three and GP2, but sees no need to work with Stewart on this occasion.

Recent newlywed Grosjean said: “He did offer, but the main issue is the schedule. It’s very tight at the moment and I’ve a honeymoon to do. Obviously, it’s very nice to have comments like that from a triple world champion.

“I used to work with a mental coach, but I don’t feel I need one today. I’m happy with the way things are going.” Grosjean concedes the team environment, and not least a raft of computers, aids a current Formula One driver.

“I appreciate other sportsmen have coaches to tell them what to do,” said Grosjean, referring to the likes of tennis and golf. “We have the data and the computer, which is good for the driving point of view. Other sports they have a coach to tell them to put more slice on a ball or get a little closer to it, stuff like that. But racing is a bit different to other sports.”