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Grosjean crashed on the first lap of Sunday’s race in Bahrain, hitting the barrier at the exit of Turn 3 at 137 mph, registering a force of over 50g.
The Haas F1 car tore on impact and caught fire, leaving Grosjean to escape from his cockpit which had become embedded in the barrier.
The French escaped quickly, sustaining only burns to his hands and avoiding any fractures.
Grosjean will stay in hospital at least until Wednesday and miss the Sakhir Grand Prix this weekend, but hopes to return for the season final in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking in his first extended interview since the crash, Grosjean joked that he had ‘Mickey Mouse hands’ because of his bandages, but was doing otherwise and had no problem moving.
Grosjean recalled his immediate thoughts on the crash, conceding that it seemed longer than the 28-second period between impact and getting out of the car.
“I don’t know if the word miracle exists or if it can be used, but anyway I would say it was not my time [to die]»Said Grosjean TF1.
“I felt a lot longer than 28 seconds. I see my visor turn all orange, I see the flames on the left side of the car. I have thought about a lot of things, including Niki Lauda, and I thought it wasn’t possible to end like this, not now, I couldn’t end my Formula 1 story like this.
“And then, for my children, I said to myself that I had to go out. I put my hands in the fire so I clearly felt it burn on the frame.
“I got out, then I felt someone put on the costume, so I knew I was out.
Grosjean has revealed that his five-year-old son Simon believes he has “magical powers” and that he has a “magical love shield” that protects him.
“These are very strong words from the children,” Grosjean said. “My oldest, Sacha, who is seven, is more rational, he tries to understand.
“And my little one drew a picture,” for daddy’s sores on his hands. “
Grosjean admitted that he would likely need to discuss the trauma of such a dramatic accident, as he feared he would be killed.
“I was more afraid for my family and friends, obviously my children, who are my greatest source of pride and energy, than for myself in the end,” said Grosjean.
“I think there is going to be some psychological work to do, because I really saw death coming.
“Even in Hollywood, we are not able to make images like this. It was the biggest crash I have ever seen in my life. The car catches fire, explodes, and the battery ignites too, so that added a lot. energy at impact. “
Grosjean thanked for the messages he had received, but again said he looked forward to being back in the car in time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“I would say there is a feeling of being happy to be alive, to see things differently,” Grosjean said.
“But there is also the need to get back in the car, if possible in Abu Dhabi, to end my story with Formula 1 in a different way.
“It was almost like a second birth. Coming out of the flames that day is something that will mark my life forever.
“I have a lot of people who have shown me love and it touched me a lot, and sometimes I have tears in my eyes.”
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