'Wasn't for it': F1 driver praises lifesaving change he argued against

Formula One driver Romain Grosjean has praised the ‘halo’ safety device he once argued against after his horrific crash on the first lap of the Bahrain GP.

The 34-year-old Haas driver had a miraculous escape after his car speared into a trackside barrier while travelling at more than 200 kilometres per hour.

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The incredible force of the impact separated the rear of the car from the protective monocoque, with the fully fuelled car violently bursting into flames immediately.

Grosjean, by some miracle, was able to get out of the cockpit and escape from the flames with the assistance of F1 personnel Dr Ian Roberts and Alan van der Merwe, who were trailing the drivers in the medical car on the opening lap.

The F1 veteran escaped the horrific crash with only minor burns to his hands and feet.

The nose of Grosjean’s car pierced the barrier upon impact, with only the ‘halo’, which was introduced ahead of the 2018 season to give drivers further protection, preventing his head from coming into contact with the barrier.

Speaking from hospital after the race, Grosjean said there was no question the ‘halo’ had saved his life.

“I wasn’t for the halo some years ago, but I think it’s the greatest thing that we’ve brought to Formula 1, and without it I wouldn’t be able to speak with you today,” he said from his hospital bed in Bahrain.

The halo was introduced after lengthy F1 investigations and tests in the wake of the death of Jules Bianchi in 2014, who died after crashing into a trackside recovery vehicle in wet conditions at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

Formula One figures praise lifesaving ‘halo’

F1 managing director Ross Brawn, a veteran figure of the sport who was part of title-winning campaigns with both Ferrari and Brawn GP, said there was no doubt the halo had saved Grosjean’s life.

Brawn said the safety barrier that split when Grosjean collided with it was cause for significant concern, but added that the halo had prevented a disastrous outcome.

“The barrier splitting was a classic problem many years ago and normally it resulted in a fatality. There is absolutely no doubt the Halo was the factor that saved the day - and saved Romain,” Brawn told Sky Sports.

“All the team behind it just need crediting for forcing it through.

“If you recall, there was quite a lot of controversy at the time about introducing it and I don't think anyone now, especially after today, can doubt the validity and value of it.

“Hats off to everyone involved because it was a life-saver today.”

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