Romain Grosjean leaped to safety in a ‘miracle’ escape after his Haas car was ripped in half and engulfed in flames in a first-lap accident that halted Sunday’s (November 29) Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix.
The 34-year-old Frenchman, who was able to free himself from the wreckage and jump clear of the fire after the car penetrated the barriers, was taken to a nearby military hospital for checks.
FIA medical delegate Ian Roberts rushed forward to assist Grosjean as marshals extinguished the burning car.
The impact was measured at more than 50G, according to a spokesman for the sport’s governing FIA.
A Haas team spokesman said Grosjean had suffered minor burns on his hands and ankles and one or more suspected broken ribs.
Replays showed the Frenchman, whose Formula One career already looked to be coming to an end with Haas having announced the departure of both their drivers at the end of the year, limping away.
The race was delayed for an hour and 20 minutes as track workers removed the wrecked barrier and replaced it.
Lewis Hamilton, who has already won a record-equalling seventh title and was leading from pole position when the red flags came out, shook his head in disbelief as he watched replays.
(Production: Tim Hart)
