‘I saw death’: Romain Grosjean details terrifying aftermath of crash

Romain Grosjean has opened up on the aftermath of his horrific crash which saw him spend half a minute trapped inside his car.

Romain Grosjean on his terrifying crash

Romain Grosjean has opened up on the horrific crash which he miraculously escaped from without any broken bones.

The Frenchman suffered burns to his hands after his Haas slammed into the barrier at turn three on the opening lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

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Grosjean’s car was ripped in two after he thundered into the railing at around 220km/h with the wreck instantly erupting into a fireball. Grosjean’s survival cell was seen wedged into the railing once the fire was put out and the debris that was left from his smoking wreck of a car was cleared.

The “halo” safety device — the protective arch that sits above the drivers’ cockpit — was the difference between Grosjean living or dying.

Grosjean has continued to provide updates from the hospital where he has been treated for burns to his hands with the 34-year-old saying he thought his time was up.

“There’s going to be some psychological work to be done, because I really saw death coming. When you see images, not even Hollywood is capable of doing that,” he told French TV station TF1.

“To come out of the flames that day is something that will mark my life forever.

“I don’t know if the word miracle exists or it can be used, but it wasn’t my time. It did seem much longer than 28 seconds. I saw my visor turning all orange, the flames on the left side of the car.”

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Grosjean was stuck in the flames for half a minute.

Grosjean was stuck inside his car for around half a minute before he climbed out of car and over the railing where medical staff and marshal’s were waiting.

“I thought about a lot of things — notably about Niki Lauda — and I thought that it wasn’t possible to end up like that, not now. I couldn’t finish my story in Formula 1 like that,” he said.

“I’m leaving the hospital normally tomorrow. I’m getting better and better, obviously a few parts are a bit painful but it’s OK.

“After what happened I guess the pain is not too bad. I’m happy to be alive and talk to you.”

Despite the terrifying scenes that unfolded, Grosjean is leaving the door open to return to behind the wheel of his Haas for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. A race which could be the final Formula 1 race of his career.

“It stings and burns a bit but it’s nothing compared to those seconds in the car. More than anything I want to get out of here for my kids and loved ones.

“So its stings but I am not giving up hope of racing in Abu Dhabi in my final Grand Prix as planned. I want to do it, I have to do it.”