Unseen footage from Romain Grosjean’s dramatic fireball crash during the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix has been released.
On the first lap, Grosjean’s car, the Haas VF-20 veered off course and went straight into a barrier at high speed. The impact caused the car to split in half, releasing fuel which resulted in the car bursting into flames.
Miraculously, the Swiss-French driver was able to exit the car unaided before being helped away by Dr Ian Roberts and Alan van der Merwe, who were following the field in the medical car.
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Almost three years on from the crash, unseen footage has now been released as the chassis of Grosjean’s car will be placed in the F1 Exhibition in Madrid, Spain.
Reflecting on the incident, Grosjean told the Formula 1 Exhibition: “From my point of view, it was a big accident but I didn't realise the impact and how violent it was from the outside.
“It was only the next day when I asked someone to show me what it looked like that I realised. My wife was actually watching that race with my dad and my kids. They will remember that moment their entire life. They were just spectators waiting to hear something… waiting to see something from Bahrain.”
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Grosjean then explained how he tried to escape after the crash.
He said: “I had to break the headrest, punching it with my helmet. I eventually managed to get my helmet through and stand up on the seat.
“I realised that my left foot was stuck to the chassis and I pulled as hard as I could. My shoes stayed in the chassis, but my foot came loose out. I was free to exit the car.”
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Grosjean continued: “Dr Ian Roberts, Alan from the medical car and one fireman were trying to open a gap in the fire to help me get out of there.
“I believe that helped me at least to get a vision of where I had to go and where was the exit.
“The chassis was still in one piece, the halo is there and you know apart from obviously the damage and the burn it's still the way it should be and I guess that saved my life.”
Grosjean left F1 after the accident and has since been involved in IndyCar racing for both Dale Coyne Racing and Andretti Autosport.
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Opening in Madrid next month, fans visiting the brand new Formula 1 Exhibition will be the first in the world to witness the remains of Romain Grosjean's car from his dramatic 2020 crash! Get your tickets here.
Topics: Formula 1
Marcus Chan