F1 driver Romain Grosjean describes 'the moment I realized I was going to live' after fiery crash

All things considered, Haas driver Romain Grosjean appears to be in good spirits. The Formula 1 racer miraculously survived a fiery crash at the beginning of Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix, and he’s been posting frequent and positive updates on social media about his recovery.

On the first lap of Sunday’s race, Grosjean made contact with Daniil Kyvat before slamming into the track barrier, and his car was torn in half as it exploded into flames. Truly a horrifying sight. But the French driver was able to escape the cockpit with minor injuries, including burns on the backs of his hands, and Wednesday, he was released from the hospital his team said in a statement.

Earlier this week, Grosjean said he “saw death coming” as the flames surrounded his car, F1 reported, adding:

“For my children, I told myself that I had to get out. I put my hands in the fire, so I clearly felt it burning on the chassis. I got out, then I felt someone pulling on the suit, so I knew I was out.”

Among Grosjean’s updates on Instagram about his injuries and recovery, he posted a video of his car engulfed in flames and his escape, describing it as “the moment I realized I was going to live.”

He also praised F1 doctor Ian Roberts, calling him a “hero” after he helped pull the driver from the flames.

In Grosjean’s caption for the video, he wrote:

This video is incredible.

Look at the professionalism of the fireman, trying to keep the fire away from me in the car.

Look at the action on Ian Roberts and his involvement. I told him he was a hero, he went into the fire as much as he could to save me.

Finally, this is also the moment I realized I was going to live. Extracting my body from the chassis. Yes it burned myself and yes it was painful but that’s nothing compare to the relief I felt as soon as I could get up. I felt Ian’s hands pulling me over the barrier and knew I was safe. I remember every second of it and life will never be the same again, but I’m sure for the best.
I met with death and that is the worst feeling I ever had. But I’m alive and will enjoy every second of life and every small win in a much better way from now on.

Thank you

Romain

Here’s a look at some of Grosjean’s other updates on Instagram since Sunday’s terrifying crash: