Romain Grosjean revealed his Honda engine suddenly “came alive” during the closing stages of the Indianapolis 500 as the former Formula 1 driver surged from 24th to ninth at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Dale Coyne Racing driver produced the biggest climb through the field in this year’s race, gaining 15 positions across 200 laps to secure the best Indy 500 finish of his career.
After spending much of the afternoon outside the lead lap battle, Grosjean and Dale Coyne Racing suddenly found themselves in contention for a top ten result once the final fuel strategy cycle unfolded.
Dale Coyne Racing’s strategy unlocked Grosjean’s recovery drive
Grosjean’s race looked completely compromised after the Frenchman dropped as low as 30th following a penalty for passing under yellow conditions earlier in the event.
However, the closing stages transformed once Dale Coyne Racing committed to stretching the final fuel run while several cars ahead still needed another stop.
Speaking to Motorsport.com during the Indy 500 Victory Celebration on Monday, Grosjean explained how the race unexpectedly turned back in his favour.
“It was a weird day,” Grosjean said.
“129 laps into the race, we were a lap down and P30. Got a penalty (for passing under yellow), and then somehow the car came alive, Honda gave us a really good engine with good mileage.”
The improved fuel mileage became a major factor in Grosjean’s recovery, giving Dale Coyne Racing the confidence to run to the finish while rivals still had to pit.
“I knew when we pitted on lap 165, we would go to the end,” Grosjean said.
“At that point, I was 20th, and I was told that 12 drivers had to pit in front of us. I did the math and saw I could get P8, and I’ll take that any day.”
The strategy almost delivered an even bigger result as Grosjean briefly ran inside the top five during the late red flag period before eventually taking ninth at the chequered flag.
Former F1 driver secured his best Indy 500 finish
The ninth-place finish comfortably surpassed Grosjean’s previous best Indianapolis 500 result and became one of the standout recovery drives from this year’s race.
His Dale Coyne Racing Honda also carried a stylised No. 18 inspired by NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, referencing the number Busch used during 56 Cup Series victories and both championship-winning seasons.
The Kyle Busch-inspired No. 18 also created an unusual NASCAR crossover element within Grosjean’s Indianapolis story.
“I’m very happy to be top ten, very proud of the whole team,” Grosjean said.
“A bit of a crazy race, crazy day.”
That final reaction summed up a strange but impressive afternoon, one where Grosjean turned a messy race into the strongest Indianapolis 500 result of his career.
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