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ROMAIN GROSJEAN says he would have been killed if it hadn’t been for the halo cockpit protection system on his F1 car.
The Frenchman shared a picture of himself smiling from his hospital bed hours after his car went through a 140 mph crash barrier and was cut in two, causing a huge fireball.
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The Haas driver was trapped for 20 seconds in the burning wreck on the first lap of the Bahrain GP before exiting and driving away.
The 34-year-old was admitted to a hospital overnight in Bahrain to receive treatment for his burned hands, but there was no doubt that the halo saved his life.
He said, “I wanted to say I’m fine. Thank you very much for all the messages.
“I was not in favor of the halo a few years ago, but I think it is the greatest thing we have done in Formula One and without it I could not speak to you today.
“Thanks to all the medical staff at the circuit and at the hospital and I hope I can write you some messages.”
Lewis Hamilton said the Frenchman was lucky the barriers didn’t cut off his head, while 1996 champion Damon Hill said “it’s a miracle he’s alive.”
Hamilton said: “It was a shocking image to see. When we get there, when I get in the car, I know I’m taking risks and I respect the dangers in this sport.
“I’m so thankful that the halo worked, thankful that the barrier didn’t cut off his head or something, you know? It could have been a lot worse.
“It is a reminder for us and hopefully for people who are observing that this is a dangerous sport and that is why we are pushing to the limit and playing with that limit, but it also has to be respected.”
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The father of three, who is retiring from F1 at the end of this season, was helped to overcome the barriers by Dr. Ian Roberts, who immediately appeared on the scene.
Roberts, who was a passenger in the medical car traveling behind F1 cars during the first lap, was assisted by his driver Alan van der Merwe, who used a fire extinguisher to put them both out.
The incident occurred on the first lap when Danill Kvyat’s AlphaTauri hit Grosjean’s car and sent him hurtling toward the barriers.
The halo parted the barriers; if it hadn’t been there, it would have been Grosjean’s head and some fatal accident.
Haas boss Gunther Steiner thanked Hero van der Merwe for his bravery. He said: “We have never seen so much fire. It took me a little time to process what was happening.
“Romain came out himself, which is quite surprising. Very impressive.”
F1’s MD Ross Brawn has now promised a full accident investigation ahead of next week’s second race in Bahrain on his high-speed oval track.
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And he added: “We have to do a very deep analysis of what happened. Many things were worrisome. The fire was worrisome and the breach of the barrier was worrisome.”
“Car safety is what got us through today.
“Barrier splitting was a classic problem many years ago and usually resulted in a fatality.
“The halo certainly saved Romain and the team behind him deserves credit for forcing it.
“I don’t think anyone can doubt the validity of the halo. Today it was a lifesaver.
“There will be careful scrutiny between now and the next race and the necessary steps will be taken.”
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