Grosjean car splits in HALF and turns into fireball after crash at Bahrain Grand Prix but Haas driver miraculously safe
THIS is the terrifying moment Romain Grosjean’s F1 car split in half and burst into flames after smashing into a barrier today.
The Haas driver was airlifted to hospital with suspected broken ribs and suffered minor burns after a scary incident in Bahrain.
He was trapped in his car for more than 20 seconds after the 140mph smash into the barrier.
The incident happened at the start of this afternoon’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The 34-year-old pulled out to overtake but clipped Daniil Kvyat’s car and ploughed into the barriers.
His car was then instantly engulfed by flames as marshals rushed to help the French driver out of the wreckage.
But he incredibly managed to walk to the medical car and escaped without a serious injury after cheating death.
It was testament to F1’s incredible safety technology that Grosjean was able to walk away.
His team Haas tweeted: “That was scary. We’ve heard over the radio that Romain is out of the car and ok.”
And they later added: “Romain has some minor burns on his hands and ankles but otherwise he is ok. He is with the doctors just now.”
The French driver was taken to a local hospital for further checks while the race was stopped while the barriers he smashed into were repaired.
The that he was suspected to have suffered broken ribs from the incident.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said: “I am so grateful Romain is safe, wow.
“The risk we take is no joke for those of you out there who forget that we put our life on the line for this sport and for what we love to do.”
He added on Instagram: “This is a moment to recognise the work of the FIA to always make our sport safer and to salute the unstinting bravery of the marshals and medical crew.”
Haas boss Gunther Steiner said: “Romain is doing okay, I don’t want to make a medical comment but he had light burns on his hands and ankles.
“Obviously he’s shaken. I want to thank the rescue crews who are very quick. The marshals and FIA people they did a great job, it was scary”.
Grosjean has raced in F1 every year since 2012 after a seven-race cameo in 2009.
He joined Lotus in 2012 and left for current team Haas after the 2016 season.
Hamilton went on to win the race in Bahrain, but not before another major incident, with Lance Stroll’s car being flipped upside down.
F1 drivers earlier this year paid tribute to former F2 racer Anthoine Hubert – who died in a crash at Spa in Belgium last year.
Frenchman Jules Bianchi died aged 25 after a crash with a recovery vehicle during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
He was the first Formula One driver to die as a result of a racing accident since Ayrton Senna in 1994.
F1 drivers are protected by the halo while they wear four layers of fireproof material over their bodies.
