Romain Grosjean: “I think big, I want seven podiums! »

“How are your first steps at Andretti Autosport going?
It’s always nice to discover a new team. Last year, when I joined Dale Coyne Racing, I was also discovering the United States, and it was incredible. It’s a season I will remember for a long time. Being able to drive for Andretti now adds fun. It’s an incredible opportunity. There are fewer unknowns for me in terms of the circuits, of American life. Now my family moved with me to Florida (at Miami). We are settling into our new home. Everyone is happy. On paper, all the ingredients are there to fight for the lead. That’s what I like to do. To fight for pole position, to win races and see where it takes us at the end of the season in the Championship.

Are you settled in Miami, your new home?
Yes, life is great! Apart from all the administrative procedures to manage when you move, which are not fun, the rest is going really well. We found a nice place that we are very happy with. It was not easy to choose a house via Whatsapp or FaceTime but we found it and the children are happy. They go to school now, the boys have taken up baseball too, which they couldn’t have done in Europe and they love it. And my daughter started dancing. Everyone is having a blast and enjoying the Florida sun. I was able to resume my pre-season training routine.

Do you feel more pressure, more expectations before this season than in the previous one?
Pressure is part of what we do, I’ve had to deal with it for 20 years. The relationship with Andretti is excellent, I have the impression of arriving in a family. It’s a word that Michael (Andretti the team boss) often use. I’m also lucky that my engineer from last season (Frenchman Olivier Boisson) transfer with me so it makes the transition easier. Of course last year I knew what I was capable of but it’s a new season, a new car so I’ll have to adapt and do my best. We will quickly know what to expect. St Pete is in a month and a half, it will happen quickly. My oldest son asked me this week what my goal was. I think big, I want seven podiums (to smile) and I hope I won’t disappoint him!

And how will you approach your first Indianapolis 500 in May?
It’s a huge event that everyone is talking about. I can’t wait for May like everyone else. The 500 miles, I think until you’ve done it, you don’t really know what it is, so it’s hard to be excited for something I don’t know. But I know what the world says about it. Last year I spent a lot of time in my motorhome on the circuit and I love the place. I also have a good track record with two podiums (on the road circuit). I hope I will continue. »