- Lotus
Grosjean refusing to rule out Lotus departure
Romain Grosjean is refusing to rule out a switch to a team further up the F1 grid despite Lotus' recent statement it is "very close" to confirming him for 2015.
Grosjean has endured a horrible season at Lotus this season, recording just two points-scoring finishes in a campaign plagued with performance and reliability issues. Lotus confirmed Pastor Maldonado earlier this year but Grosjean's future has been the source of speculation since the summer, though Lotus feels confident he will extend his stay.
With seats at McLaren and Ferrari yet to be confirmed for next season Grosjean is keeping his options open.
"I have a contract with the team," Grosjean said. "I have the option to leave if I want to but there are three places not confirmed in top teams and that is where I want to be in the near future and that is what we will try to do."
Lotus will switch to Mercedes power next season after a frustrating campaign with Renault, and will also trial its 2015 nose at the United States Grand Prix - all of which is encouraging to Grosjean.
"Lotus will be much better next year than they are this year, for a lot of reasons. The fact the team is bringing a new nose here to try and prepare for 2015 is a strong sign."
When congratulated on the news he will become a father again next year at the US GP press conference, Grosjean, referring to his troubling year with Lotus, quipped: "At least that worked!"
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