Romain Grosjean’s Formula 1 Comeback: The Testing of Previous Cars Explained

Romain Grosjean is set to make a notable return to the Formula 1 (F1) scene as he participates in a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program with his former team, Haas, at the Mugello circuit in Italy. This marks a significant moment for the 39-year-old driver, as it will be his first opportunity to get behind the wheel of an F1 car since the harrowing events of the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix.

In that race, Grosjean experienced a catastrophic crash, enduring a force of 67G as his car collided with the barriers, resulting in a fiery explosion that trapped him for 28 seconds. Miraculously, he emerged with only burns to his hands, but the severity of the incident ruled him out for the remainder of the 2020 season. His departure from F1 was already planned, and this TPC opportunity is a rare chance for him to reconnect with the sport he had to leave behind.

Understanding the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) in Formula 1

What is TPC?

The TPC, or Testing of Previous Cars, is a critical aspect of F1 that allows teams to navigate around the stringent testing limitations imposed by the sport’s governing body. In the context of modern Formula 1, teams face strict regulations regarding how much testing they can perform throughout the season. For instance, in 2025, teams had a mere three days of pre-season testing to prepare their new cars.

Aside from these limited pre-season opportunities, teams can only conduct filming days, which are restricted to a maximum of 200 kilometers of running on Pirelli show tires. These restrictions were introduced to help manage costs and ensure a level playing field among teams, as previously, there were no limits on testing.

The TPC program, officially integrated into the sporting regulations during the 2010s, permits F1 teams to conduct up to 20 days of testing with cars that are at least two years old. In Grosjean’s case, he will be driving the 2023 Haas F1 car, which was previously raced by Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen during a challenging season for the Haas team, who finished last in the championship standings with only 12 points.

Advantages of Conducting TPC Programs

There are several notable benefits for F1 teams that engage in TPC programs. One of the primary advantages is that these testing sessions help teams regain momentum, especially at the start of the racing season. After a long off-season, both drivers and team personnel may feel a bit out of practice. Participating in a TPC allows them to shake off the rust, re-establish team dynamics, and enhance their race readiness.

Furthermore, a TPC program serves as an invaluable opportunity for teams to onboard drivers who may be new to the team or the sport. For example, Lewis Hamilton took the opportunity to drive the SF-23 in January after signing with Ferrari for the 2025 season. This experience not only allowed him to familiarize himself with the car but also to interact with his new engineers and management, as well as the passionate Ferrari fans, known as the tifosi.

The TPC program is also beneficial for teams like Cadillac, which plans to enter the championship in 2026. Although they do not have an older car to test, team principal Graeme Lowdon has indicated that they will receive assistance from another team, likely Ferrari, as they will utilize Ferrari’s power units.

Additionally, TPC programs provide a platform for younger drivers from a team’s driver academy to gain valuable track experience. These sessions allow them to showcase their skills in hopes of securing a future F1 seat while also enabling teams to gather data on both the drivers and the cars in various conditions.

Regulations Governing TPC Programs

While TPC programs present numerous advantages, there are also specific regulations that teams must adhere to, outlined in Article 10.2 of the sporting regulations. One of the primary stipulations is that the car used in the TPC must be at least two years old, and teams are restricted to using only one car for each testing day. For Grosjean, this means he will exclusively drive the VF-23 and will not be allowed to operate any other Haas vehicle on that day.

Moreover, the FIA stipulates that the testing must occur on a Grade 1 circuit, which is a basic requirement for any track that wishes to be included in the F1 calendar. As such, any circuit utilized for TPC sessions will likely already be part of the F1 schedule. Importantly, teams are prohibited from testing at any circuit that is scheduled to host a Grand Prix within the next 60 days.

The regulations also allow for the participation of third parties, as evidenced by Cadillac’s plans. However, any collaboration between teams must receive approval from the FIA.

Another important aspect of the TPC guidelines is the limit on the amount of testing that can be conducted. Starting in 2025, teams are allowed a maximum of 20 testing days, but only four of those can be allocated to their current, full-time drivers. Additionally, teams are restricted to a total maximum of 1,000 kilometers of running.

These regulations were implemented following notable incidents, such as when Max Verstappen tested a two-year-old Red Bull F1 car at Imola to clarify his development direction. McLaren also raised eyebrows with an ambitious testing program involving its current drivers.

Looking ahead to 2026, additional changes are anticipated due to half of the teams switching their power unit suppliers in line with new regulations. This shift has prompted discussions regarding how these teams can effectively conduct TPC programs, leading the FIA to mandate that engine suppliers with expiring contracts must continue to provide current power units to their former customer teams.

However, the FIA has not imposed any budgetary restrictions for these testing programs, allowing suppliers to set their own prices. While this could potentially lead to inflated costs, it is important to note that TPC programs do not fall under the budget cap, meaning that teams can still focus on their development without being adversely affected by these additional expenses.

The Future of TPC in Formula 1

As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the role of TPC programs is likely to grow in importance. These testing sessions are not just a means for teams to maintain sharpness and develop their vehicles; they also represent a critical opportunity for drivers to transition between teams or regain confidence after challenging experiences.

For Romain Grosjean, his return to F1 through a TPC program is a significant step in his racing journey, allowing him to reconnect with the sport and potentially pave the way for future opportunities. As the landscape of Formula 1 continues to shift with the introduction of new teams and regulations, the TPC program will remain a vital tool for teams to improve and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the championship.

In conclusion, the Testing of Previous Cars program serves as a crucial element in the modern era of Formula 1. By providing teams with the opportunity to conduct extensive testing with older machinery, TPC not only enhances the competitive edge of teams but also fosters the development of drivers and their integration into the fast-paced world of motorsport. As we look forward to Grosjean’s return and the continued evolution of TPC regulations, it is clear that this program will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Formula 1 racing.