It’s been five years since one of the most terrifying and unforgettable moments in modern Formula 1 history — the day Romain Grosjean walked away from a fireball in Bahrain. On November 29, 2020, the motorsport world watched in horror as Grosjean’s Haas car split in two and burst into flames after colliding with the barriers at over 220 km/h (137 mph) on the opening lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix. What followed was nothing short of a miracle — and a defining moment for the safety evolution in F1.
For 28 seconds, Grosjean remained trapped inside the flaming wreckage. The sheer intensity of the fire, fueled by the ruptured fuel cell, made it almost impossible to believe that anyone could survive such an inferno. Yet, against all odds, Romain emerged from the flames. His race suit was scorched, his hands were badly burned, but he was alive — walking, conscious, and resilient.
Five years on, the image of Grosjean clambering out of the fire, assisted by FIA medical delegate Dr. Ian Roberts and medical car driver Alan van der Merwe, remains etched into the collective memory of fans and professionals alike. Their swift response, coupled with the bravery of the track marshals, played a critical role in saving Grosjean’s life.
One of the most significant contributors to Grosjean’s survival was the Halo — the titanium cockpit protection device that had only been introduced to Formula 1 in 2018. Controversial at the time of its implementation, with many drivers and fans initially questioning its aesthetics and necessity, the Halo proved its worth in Bahrain. It deflected the steel barrier and created a vital survival space for Grosjean’s head and upper body, likely preventing fatal injuries. After the crash, even Grosjean, once a skeptic of the Halo, publicly credited it for saving his life, saying, “I wasn’t for the Halo some years ago, but I think it’s the greatest thing that we’ve brought to Formula 1.”
The crash was more than just a dramatic incident — it was a powerful reminder of the inherent dangers of motorsport, even in an era where safety technology has advanced tremendously. It also highlighted the importance of continuous safety innovation and rapid response systems, both of which came together perfectly on that day to avert a tragedy.
Grosjean’s recovery journey was also marked by resilience. Although the burns to his hands prevented him from competing in the final two races of the 2020 season, he refused to let Bahrain be the final chapter of his F1 story. In 2021, Mercedes-AMG offered him a private test to say a proper goodbye to the sport, allowing him to experience the thrill of an F1 car once more. He has since made a successful transition to IndyCar, continuing to race competitively and sharing his story of survival and perseverance with fans around the world.
Five years later, we remain thankful — for the Halo, for the fearless medics and marshals, and for Romain Grosjean’s unbreakable will. That day in Bahrain is not just remembered for the horror of the crash, but for the triumph of human spirit, technology, and teamwork in the face of unimaginable danger.
It was a miracle born of progress, preparation, and the relentless pursuit of safety in one of the world’s most extreme sports. And it’s a moment that will forever remind us why those efforts are worth it.