F1
Formula One drivers spoke in unison about their horror and relief after French-Swiss driver Romain Grosjean’s car smashed into a barrier at high speed on the first lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix, broke in two, and burst into flames.
Television viewers watched the crash in disbelief as his Haas collided with Dani Kyvyat and then careered across the track smashing into the protective barrier and causing it to split.
Seconds later Grosjean is seen leaping out of the flames and being helped over the barriers by the crew of the Safety Car which included South African Alan van der Merwe, who is the driver of the F1 medical car and F1 Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ian Roberts.
Speaking afterward the pair said teamwork helped them in the situation, saying it was in fact Grosjean who had done “all the work” getting out of the blazing car.
Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner also thanked the rescue crews who were first on the scene.
Drivers interviewed after the race spoke as one about the safety of the Halo which was a new addition to the F1 safety regulations on cars but came in for initial criticism.
Spanish driver Carlos Sainz said the Halo certainly did its job in saving Grosjean’s life.
This sentiment was shared by other drivers including Ferrari’s Charl le Clerc, who said he could not believe that Grosjean was able to get out of the car.
Daniil Kyvat, whose car was involved in the collision which precipitated Grosjean’s accident, said he was glad he was okay.
F1 managing director Ross Brawn said he was concerned that the car had burst into flames and split. He said he was also concerned that the barrier had also split, but he said there’s “absolutely no doubt” that the Halo had saved Grosjean.
Investigations will now get underway.
Grosjean was airlifed to hospital with burn wounds and suspected broken ribs.
The race was eventually won by reigning champion Lewis Hamilton, followed by Max Verstappen and Alex Albon in third.
