Romain Grosjean is hoping France will not have to wait twenty more years for its next grand prix win. Monaco this weekend is the 20th anniversary of Olivier Panis' fortuitous win in a Ligier -- the last time a French driver has won a formula one race.
Now 49, Panis thinks the biggest problem has been a lack of French support for developing drivers.
"I think the 'loi Evin' did so much harm to French motor sport," Panis, referring to the anti alcohol and tobacco legislations introduced in the 90s, told RMC.
"I was lucky to arrive in F1 with the help of Elf and a cigarette brand -- without them I would never have been there," he said.
"So when I hear about 'pay drivers' today it makes me laugh, because we were all pay drivers. I hope that the arrival of Renault will do a lot of good for French motor sport that will help French drivers get to formula one," Panis added.
Swiss-born Grosjean, driving for Ferrari-linked Haas, is now France's best hope of another F1 win.
"I remember he (Panis) sent me a message which said 'Please do it (win), because I don't want to be the last'. I'm working on it," said Grosjean.
Grosjean hopes to end France's winning drought
- Published on 29 May 2016 13:01
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- By: Danny Sosef
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix
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Spain
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Bahrain
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Bahrain
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
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Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
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10 - Apr 12
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17 - Apr 19
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5 - Jun 7
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Silverstone
17 - Jul 19
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24 - Jul 26
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Hungaroring
21 - Aug 23
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Circuit Zandvoort
4 - Sep 6
Italy
Monza
Driver profile
- Team -
- Points -
- Podiums -
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- Country FR
- Date of b. Apr 17 1986 (40)
- Place of b. Geneve, FR
- Weight 71 kg
- Length 1.8 m
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Team profile
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- Base Enstone, France
- Fernando Alonso 1
- Daniel Ricciardo 3
- Fernando Alonso 5
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- Romain Grosjean 8
- Fernando Alonso 8
- Fernando Alonso 8
- Pastor Maldonado 13
- Jenson Button 15
- Kevin Magnussen 20
- Nico Hülkenberg 27
- Jolyon Palmer 30
- Esteban Ocon 31
- Carlos Sainz jr 55
- 236,941 comments on Renault
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