Romain Grosjean reveals he may require skin graft on left hand

Romain Grosjean

Grosjean reveals he may require skin graft on left hand

Frenchman not prepared to lose mobility in left index finger and thumb to drive in Abu Dhabi

Ian Parkes

Friday 4 December 2020 12:35

Romain Grosjean has revealed he may yet require a skin graft on his left hand and has made clear he will not risk losing mobility in his thumb and index finger just for 'a beautiful story' in Abu Dhabi.

On Friday, the French driver spoke to the international media for the first time since the fiery accident that almost claimed his life in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Grosjean has previously made clear it is his desire to finish his F1 career in next weekend's race in Abu Dhabi as he does not want his last race to be remembered for the frightening events that unfolded at the Bahrain International Circuit.

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Crucial, however, to a final drive with Haas are the burns on his left hand, which have left him in considerable pain, with doctors not yet ruling out the prospect of a graft.

"I want to jump back in the car because it's been my life, and I would like to cross the finish line properly when I finish my career in Formula 1," said Grosjean. "I don't really want it to be over with that day [in Bahrain].

"Even though the footage of a Haas crossing the line at the back of the field will be less dramatic and probably less broadcasted around the world, I would like to [drive in Abu Dhabi].

"If it doesn't happen, it's okay. I will have another opportunity to cross another finishing line in the future.

"[But] The doctors have said it's difficult to know yet. The right hand will 100 per cent be ready. The strength and the mobility in the left hand gets better day after day.

"The strength is here [holding up a heavily bandaged hand]. The mobility, there is still a lot of swelling from the inflammation so it needs to start reducing, but a graft hasn't been ruled out yet.

"I'm joking, I'm happy, but the pain the last two days has been high. I'm quite strong with pain."

Grosjean then gave details on an incident that took place earlier this year he had previously not divulged.

"I broke my right hand earlier this year falling down in the kitchen," added Grosjean. "I haven't told anyone. It was an open break - two bones. I put them in place myself.

"I went to the hospital and the pain was okay. I'm very strong with some pain."

Showing his sense of humour remains intact, he joked: "Fever, I'm no good. If I've got 39 degrees fever, I'm going to die! But that type of pain, I'm good. We will see."

More seriously, Grosjean then explained the extent of what could happen if he did drive in Abu Dhabi.

"I won't take the risk to lose mobility in my left index [finger] and left thumb for the rest of my life just to go to Abu Dhabi," said Grosjean. "The story will be beautiful to go to Abu Dhabi.

"If I don't, I'll call every single Formula 1 team and see if anyone would offer me a private test in January or so, to jump back in the car and have 10, 15 laps for myself."