"I struggled to believe he jumped out" - F1 drivers react to Grosjean crash

Bahrain Grand Prix

"I struggled to believe he jumped out" - F1 drivers react to Grosjean crash

Ewan Gale

Monday 30 November 2020 18:43

Romain Grosjean's rivals have expressed shock at how the French driver escaped with only minor burns from the blazing inferno that engulfed his Haas in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Grosjean is due to be released from hospital on Tuesday after suffering from nothing more than burns to the backs of both hands, but which have ruled him out of this weekend's return to the Bahrain International Circuit for the Sakhir GP.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc spoke of his disbelief that the Frenchman was able to extract himself from the wreckage.

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"I saw it in my mirrors actually, so I saw it live," he said. "I went onto the radio straight away, I was very worried if you hear my radio messages, and just wanted to have the good news that Romain was okay.

"Arriving at turn nine, I still had no news and I could still see the fire so I started to worry a lot. The good thing is he jumped out of the car. It is incredible.

"If you see the crash, I struggled to believe it once he jumped out of the car so congratulations to the guys that are doing the safety of the cars."

Grosjean's countryman Pierre Gasly remarked it was the first time he had seen an incident such as the one that unfolded.

"Honestly, it was horrible," said the AlphaTauri driver. "Initially, I didn't know what had happened and when I saw the images I was shocked.

"For my generation, I have never seen things like this. I think it was more common in the past but it was really scary. When I saw Romain out of the car, I was happy to see him jumping out. I was just scared.

"I had no idea a Formula 1 car could break that way. Especially going through the barriers.

"The halo proved to be really working. I sent him a text during the red flags wishing him for a good recovery. What is most important is that he is fine. It was a really scary thing to see."

Williams driver George Russell hailed the role the halo played in ensuring Grosjean remained safe on impact as his car pierced the barrier.

"Had the halo not been there, I think we would have had an incredibly different outcome," suggested Russell.

"The way he walked away was incredible. I guess safety has moved along in recent years."