“I’m very proud of that time because the team was struggling and because of the experience I had and the confidence I had I just managed to bring them back to the top. I’m even more proud that they kept on winning after that for a few more years.”

Grosjean admitted he was not ready to make his F1 debut as early as he did, and opened up a difficult learning spell during his time at the Enstone squad.

When asked where he felt he was lacking, Grosjean replied: “A lot of things. F1 is not only about driving. Driving the car is one thing but there’s being on the outside, being aware of what is going on and the games and the media.

“So I came to F1 and people thought I was arrogant, but I was just shy. I was looking not to disturb anything. No one ever told me what to do or not to do and that’s why I wasn’t ready.

“It was a dream start. After the summer break I got the phone call to say I’m in the car for seven grands prix, to get used to F1 before the next season starts and use it as learning. Turns out it wasn’t the case.

“I think it was just the case of wrong place, wrong time,” he added. “I was next to Fernando, which was amazing, I learned a lot from him. Obviously he was very fast.

“But with all the crashgate story I was part of the furniture that needed a change. I was part of the Flavio Briatore management and even though I owe a lot to Flavio for putting me in, I think it also cost me my first career in F1.”