Fans visiting the Formula 1 Exhibition in Madrid next month will be the first in the world to witness the remains of Romain Grosjean car from his dramatic crash at the FORMULA 1 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2020. The former Haas F1 driver hit the wall at almost 120 miles-per-hour during his opening lap and famously spent 28 seconds engulfed by fire before climbing out to safety. The remains of Romain’s car, which split in half at high speed and instantly exploded, has been kept under wraps for three years. Following a close collaboration between the Moneygram Haas F1 Team and the show’s producers, the chassis will be displayed for the first time at the Formula 1 Exhibition in Madrid.
Hosted within a purpose-built room titled ‘Survival’, the chassis will be accompanied by a large video installation showing previously unseen footage of the crash. In a short film released today, Romain shares his personal recollection of the harrowing incident. The room is one of seven unique experiences, each specially designed in collaboration with award-winning curators, artists and filmmakers to offer a stunning adventure through the world of Formula 1.
“From my point of view, it was a big accident but I didn’t realise the impact or how violent it was from the outside,” Romain Grosjean recalls in his interview with the Formula 1 Exhibition team. “It was only the next day when I asked someone to show me what it looked like that I realised. My wife was actually watching that race with my dad and my kids. They will remember that moment their entire life. They were just spectators waiting to hear something… waiting to see something from Bahrain. I had to break the headrest, punching it with my helmet and then I eventually managed to get my helmet through and stand up in the seat. I realised my left foot was stuck into the chassis and I pulled as hard as I could on my left leg. My shoe stayed in the chassis but my foot came loose so I was free to exit the car. It was 120 kilos of fuel plus the battery – both were on fire. Dr Jan Roberts, Alan from the medical car and one fireman were trying to open a gap in the fire to help me get out. I believe that helped me at least to get a vision of where I had to go and where the exit was. The survival cell is there for you in case of a huge impact. I was intact inside the shell. The chassis is still in one piece, the halo is there and apart from the damage and burn it is still as it should be. I guess that saved my life.”
The crash sparked widespread discussion into driver and track safety and the Exhibition’s display is dedicated to the pioneers who, throughout the history of Formula 1, have sacrificed to improve the sport’s safety. The wider show also honours and explores the constant innovation that has pushed Formula 1 forward.
Opening on 24 March 2023, the world’s first official Formula 1 Exhibition will be hosted at the renowned IFEMA MADRID. Officially developed in association with Formula 1 and with unprecedented support from the motorsport community, the immersive show boasts a wide range of artefacts and contributions from the sport’s most legendary teams, experts and personalities. Produced in partnership with Round Room Live and delving far beyond what fans have ever seen before, the show uses bold, technology-led design features and large-scale interactive displays to lift the lid on the past, present and future of Formula 1. Several years in the making, the exhibition combines spectacular audio-visual design, rare film and imagery, engineering and educational displays, sculptural pieces and iconic Grand Prix™ cars to deliver an unforgettable experience for everyone – from avid followers to younger fans and families. Tickets can be purchased HERE from €19.99.
