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.
Romain Grosjean’s car burst into flames after crashing into the barriers at the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: Sky Sports
Marshals rushed to the scene after the horror smash in BahrainCredit: Splash News
It’s a miracle how Grosjean didn’t suffer any serious injuries from the incidentCredit: AFP
Grosjean incredibly escaped serious injury but was airlifted to hospital with suspected broken ribsCredit: Getty Images
The incident happened at the start of this afternoon’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The 34-year-old pulled out to overtake out 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 Press Association reported that he was suspected to have suffered broken ribs from the incident.
The wreckage of Romain Grosjean’s carCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Frenchman was taken to hospital after walking away from the smashCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He left a massive dent in the barrier and forced the race to be stoppedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
His car is lifted away from the scene of the crashCredit: AFP
The Haas split in half and burst into flamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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.
“This is a reminder to us all.”
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.
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.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
