In an exclusive interview, Romain Grosjean shared his harrowing experience during the horrifying accident at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. The incident occurred in the third curve of the first round when Grosjean collided with Daniil Kvyat, sending him into the aluminum barrier.
Grosjean recounted the chilling moments that followed, stating, "I honestly thought I saw death coming." The crash disintegrated his Haas F1 into two halves, causing an immediate fire outbreak. Within 28 seconds, Grosjean leaped from the flaming wreckage and was transported to the Bahrain Defense Hospital for burn treatment on his hand.
Grosjean was eventually discharged on Wednesday from the Bahrain Defense Hospital and will continue his recovery through private treatment within the country. He candidly acknowledged the fears that loomed in his mind during those dark moments, including Niki Lauda, a former Formula 1 driver who had survived severe burns in a 1976 German Grand Prix crash.
"I truly didn’t believe it could end like that, not at least right now," Grosjean expressed emotionally. "I felt compelled to return home for my kids, regardless of the pain and distress. I even pinched my hand to feel the intense burn from the car chassis. The real concerns, though, centered on my family and friends, especially my children, who have been an unyielding source of strength and joy in my life."
Grosjean, now 34, revealed that he remains determined to compete in the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi. This may well be his final race in Formula 1, as Haas announced in October that Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen would leave the team at the close of the 2020 season.
Expressing gratitude for his rescue, Grosjean emphasized the crucial role of the Halo safety device, which lowered the grave consequences of the accident. Initially not Grosjean's biggest fan, he has since acknowledged its significance and hailed it as a life-saving measure.
"Last Sunday, I lauded the Halo safety device for its lifesaving role and admitted that, in the past, I wasn't its biggest admirer" Grosjean said. Describing the accident as a mirror of resurrection, Grosjean expressed, "The day I narrowly escaped the flames will forever etch itself in my memory. I’m planning to honor my Formula 1 journey in Abu Dhabi in a meaningful way."
Formula 1 has also witnessed significant changes this season due to the pandemic, with Bahrain hosting two successive Grand Prix weekends. Meanwhile, Mick Schumacher, the son of the legendary Michael Schumacher, will join Haas as a teammate along with Russian driver Nikita Mazepin starting from the 2021 season.
