Grosjean credits F1’s halo for saving his life in 50G crash

Romain Grosjean says the introduction of the halo is the “greatest thing” Formula 1 has introduced as he paid tribute to the cockpit protection device for saving his life at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Haas driver suffered a heavy crash at the exit of Turn 3 after making slight contact with AlphaTauri’s Daniil Kvyat and being speared into the barriers at 137mph and at a force of over 50G.

Grosjean’s car was torn completely in half due to the high ferocity of the impact before catching fire.

The Frenchman was able to clamber out of his wrecked car and was taken to hospital following an initial checkover conducted by the FIA’s on-site medical team.

Initial x-rays show that Grosjean has avoided any fractures, though he has suffered burns to the back of both hands.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Grosjean provided an update on his condition as he thanked the speedy work of the medical crew and marshals at the scene of his terrifying accident.

“Hello everyone, just wanted to say I’m okay, well, sort of okay, thank you very much for all the messages,” Grosjean wrote on Instagram.

“I wasn’t for the Halo some years ago but I think it’s the greatest thing we brought to Formula 1 and without it I wouldn’t be able to speak to you today.

“Thanks to all the medical staff at the circuit, at the hospital, and hopefully I can soon write you quite some messages and tell you how it’s going.”

Grosjean will remain in hospital overnight to be treated for the burns on his hands, while he will also stay under observation from the doctors.

An update from Romain himself. Pleased to see you’re in good spirits! We hope you make a speedy recovery pic.twitter.com/njnjjH4GBi

— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) November 29, 2020

It is currently unknown whether Grosjean will be fit to drive at next weekend’s second race to be held in Sakhir, but Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said he believes Grosjean would want to contest the rest of the season providing he is fit to do so.

"Knowing him, he wants to be back, but we'll see that tomorrow when they take the bandages off because he has no idea what they look like," Steiner explained.

"For me at the moment, the only good thing is, nothing bad happened. For sure it wasn't good, but he's safe, he's healthy.

"The rest we'll see tomorrow when we speak with the doctors."