Revisited: The F1 fireball crash that shocked the world

November 29, 2020 - a day which F1 and in particular Romain Grosjean, will never forget.

Four years ago today, Grosjean's Haas VF-20 speared through a metal barrier on the short straight between Turns 3 and 4 at the Bahrain International Circuit. 

The Frenchman's car split in two on the opening lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix, following contact made with the barrier which resulted in an immediate fireball caused by a combined fuel and battery explosion.

It was a touch with Daniil Kvyat which sent Grosjean into the barrier at over 190 km/h, in a fiery crash which stopped the motorsport world. 

He emerged from the blaze after being trapped in his cockpit for 28 seconds and miraculously, his worst injuries were burns to both of his hands. 

News channels from across the globe covered the crash, in what was an accident which, without the current safety measures in place, would have likely resulted in a tragic outcome. 

Reflecting on the crash which measured an astounding 67Gs, Grosjean revealed he did not realise just how big the impact was.

“From my point of view, it was a big accident but I didn’t realise the impact or how violent it was from the outside," Grosjean told the F1 Exhibition.

“It was only the next day when I asked someone to show me what it looked like that I realised. My wife was actually watching that race with my dad and my kids. They will remember that moment their entire life. They were just spectators waiting to hear something… waiting to see something from Bahrain.

“I had to break the headrest, punching it with my helmet and then I eventually managed to get my helmet through and stand up in the seat. 

"I realised my left foot was stuck into the chassis and I pulled as hard as I could on my left leg. My shoe stayed in the chassis but my foot came loose so I was free to exit the car."

Halo miracle

Miraculously, despite the inferno, the car's chassis and halo remain intact and are on display in London at the F1 Exhibition until March 2. 

The footage of Grosjean appearing in the flames and being helped over the barrier by Dr. Ian Roberts and a fireman will forever be one of the most famous moments in the sport's history.

Remarkably, prior to his crash, Grosjean had been against the introduction of the halo device which, ultimately, saved his life on that day. 

As the crash happened, drivers immediately jumped onto the radio for an update on Grosjean's condition, having seen the ball of fire in their mirrors.

“It was 120 kilos of fuel plus the battery - both were on fire. Dr Ian Roberts, Alan from the medical car and one fireman were trying to open a gap in the fire to help me get out," explained Grosjean.

"I believe that helped me at least to get a vision of where I had to go and where the exit was.

“The survival cell is there for you in case of a huge impact. I was intact inside the shell. The chassis is still in one piece, the halo is there and apart from the damage and burn it is still as it should be. I guess that saved my life.”