Romain Grosjean
Romain Grosjean escapes a terrifying crash at Bahrain GP.
ESPN
  • Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean escaped a terrifying crash on Sunday.
  • Grosjean’s car was caught in traffic on the first lap of the Bahrain GP, and careened into the barrier.
  • His car exploded into flames on impact.
  • Grosjean was able to jump out of the car, thanks in large part to the Halo protecting him in the cockpit.
  • Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean survived a terrifying collision with the barriers during the first lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday.

The crash took place just seconds into the race, with Grosjean getting caught in traffic near the back of the pack. A bit of jostling left Grosjean’s car tripping across the track and careening into the barrier.

His car immediately burst into flames.

Warning: The video below shows the moment of Grosjean’s crash.

Somehow, Grosjean walked away from the crash, and was met immediately by the medical car that was trailing the pack through the first lap of the race.

Shortly after the crash, Grosjean's team tweeted out that their driver was doing well all things considered, having suffered minor burns on his hands and ankles, but otherwise okay. Grosjean was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

On Twitter, fans credited the Halo — a ring around the cockpit meant to protect the heads of drivers — for saving Grosjean's life. The Halo was introduced to Formula 1 racing just three seasons ago.

Alan van der Merwe, who was driving the medical car that was immediately on the scene of the crash, told the broadcast that it was a moment like nothing he had ever seen.

"We've never seen that much fire. In 12 years, I have not seen that much fire at an impact like that," van der Merwe said.

"It just goes to show all of the systems that we've developed — everything worked hand in hand. The Halo, the barriers, the seatbelts, everything worked how it should. Without just one of those things it could have been a very different outcome."

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