ROMAIN GROSJEAN says he would have been killed had it not been for the halo cockpit safety system on his F1 automobile.
The Frenchman’s shared a picture of himself smiling from his hospital mattress hours after his car pierced through a crash barrier at 140mph and was sliced in two, sparking a huge fireball.
Romain Grosjean shared a picture of himself smiling from his hospital mattress after his horror crash in BahrainCredit score: Instagram
Grosjean’s F1 automobile went up in flames earlier than he amazingly managed to flee the wreckCredit score: AP:Related Press
The Haas driver was trapped for 20 seconds within the burning wreck on lap one of many Bahrain GP earlier than squeezing out and strolling away.
The 34-year-old was being saved in hospital in a single day in Bahrain to obtain remedy for his burned palms – however was left in little doubt that the halo saved his life.
He stated: “I needed to say I’m OK. Thanks very a lot for all of the messages.
“I used to be not for the halo some years in the past however I believe it’s the biggest factor we’ve finished in Formulation One and with out it I’d not have the ability to converse to you at this time.
“Because of all of the medical employees on the circuit and hospital and hopefully I can write you some messages.”
Lewis Hamilton stated the Frenchman was fortunate his head was not minimize off by the obstacles whereas 1996 champ Damon Hill stated ‘it’s a miracle he’s alive’.
Hamilton stated: “It was such a surprising picture to see. After we arrive, once I get within the automobile, I do know I am taking danger and I respect the hazards which can be on this sport.
“I am simply so grateful the halo labored, grateful the barrier did not slice his head open or one thing like that, ? It may have been a lot worse.
“It is a reminder to us and hopefully to the individuals which can be watching that this can be a harmful sport and that’s the reason we’re on the market pushing to the restrict and taking part in with that restrict, however you additionally must respect it.”
Grosjean incrediby emerged along with his automobile blazingCredit score: Splash Information
Grosjean was rushed to hospital to get remedy for burnsCredit score: Getty Pictures – Getty
The daddy of three, who’s retiring from F1 on the finish of this season, was helped over the obstacles by Physician Ian Roberts who was instantly on the scene.
Roberts, who was a passenger within the medical automobile that travels behind F1 automobiles for the primary lap, was then helped by his driver Alan van der Merwe, who used an extinguisher to place them each out.
The incident occurred on the primary lap as Grosjean’s automobile was clipped by Danill Kvyat’s AlphaTauri and despatched hurtling in the direction of the obstacles.
The halo parted the obstacles – had it not been there, it could have been Grosjean’s head and a sure deadly accident.
Hero van der Merwe was thanked by Haas boss Gunther Steiner for his bravery. He stated: “We have by no means seen that a lot hearth. It took a short while to course of what was happening.
“Romain bought out himself which is fairly wonderful. Very spectacular.”
F1’s MD Ross Brawn has now promised a radical investigation into the accident forward of subsequent week’s second race in Bahrain on their excessive velocity oval observe.
The extent of the injury to his automobile was seen after the wreck was clearedCredit score: EPA
He added: “We now have to do a really deep evaluation of what occurred. Plenty of issues had been worrying. The hearth was worrying and the break up of the barrier was worrying.
“The security of the automobile is what bought us by means of at this time.
“Limitations splitting was a traditional drawback a few years in the past and usually resulted in a fatality.
“Little question the halo saved Romain and the staff behind it deserve credit score for forcing it although.
“I do not suppose anybody can doubt the validity of the halo. It was a lifesaver at this time.
“There will likely be some cautious scrutiny between now and the following race and motion will likely be taken that must be finished.”
