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Grosjean crashed on the first lap of Sunday’s race in Bahrain, hitting the barrier at the exit of Turn 3 at 137 mph, posting a force of more than 50g.
Haas’ F1 car broke on impact and burst into flames, leaving Grosjean to escape from his cockpit that had embedded itself in the barrier.
The Frenchman quickly escaped, suffering only burns to his hands and avoiding broken bones.
Grosjean will remain in the hospital until at least Wednesday and will miss this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix, but he is hoping to return for the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking in his first extended interview since the accident, Grosjean joked that he had “Mickey Mouse hands” from his bandages, but was otherwise fine and had no trouble moving.
Grosjean recalled his immediate thoughts on the accident, admitting that it felt longer than the 28-second period from impact until he got out of the car.
“I do not know if the word miracle exists or if it can be used, but in any case I would say that it was not my time [to die]”Said Grosjean TF1.
“It felt much longer than 28 seconds. I see my visor turn orange, I see the flames on the left side of the car. I thought of many things, including Niki Lauda, and I thought it was not possible.” finish like this, not now, I couldn’t end my story in Formula 1 like this.
“And then for my kids, I told myself that I had to get out. I put my hands in the fire, so I clearly felt it burn in the chassis.
“I went out, then I felt someone put the suit on, so I knew I was out.”
Grosjean revealed that his five-year-old son, Simon, believes he has “magical powers” and that he has a “magical love shield” that protects him.
“These are very strong words from children,” Grosjean said. “My eldest, Sacha, who is seven years old, is more rational, tries to understand.
“And my little one has drawn a picture, ‘for daddy’s sores on his hands.’
Grosjean acknowledged that he would probably have to talk about the trauma of such a dramatic accident, as he feared he would be killed.
“I was more afraid for my family and friends, obviously for my children, who are my greatest source of pride and energy, than I was in the end,” Grosjean said.
“I think some psychological work will have to be done, because I really saw death coming.
“Even in Hollywood, we can’t do pictures like that. It’s the biggest accident I’ve ever seen. The car caught fire, it exploded, and the battery also caught fire, so it added a lot of energy to the impact.”
Grosjean appreciated the messages he had received, but said again that he was eager to get back in the car in time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“I would say there is a feeling of being happy to be alive, to see things differently,” said Grosjean.
“But there is also a need to get back in the car, if possible in Abu Dhabi, to end my story with Formula One in a different way.”
“It was almost like a second birth. Coming out of the flames that day is something that will mark my life forever.
“I have many people who have shown me love and that has touched me a lot, and sometimes my eyes fill with tears.”
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