Grosjean reunited with rescuers on return to Bahrain F1 paddock

Romain Grosjean has returned to the Formula 1 paddock just four days after his horrific crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix as he was reunited with those who played a key role in saving his life.

The Frenchman made an appearance in the Bahrain paddock on Thursday with his wife Marion ahead of this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix as he caught up with his Haas team and met with the medical crews that attended the scene of his fiery accident last time out.

Grosjean miraculously escaped with only minor injuries following a head-on 137mph smash with the barriers on the opening lap of last Sunday’s race.

The impact - which is understood to have registered at 53G - tore his Haas car in half before it became engulfed in flames.

Grosjean was able to clamber out of his burning car with the assistance of the on-site medical team, including FIA medical delegate Ian Roberts and medical car driver Alan van der Merwe, who were among the first to arrive on the scene.

An incredible moment as @RGrosjean meets the two Civil Defence team members who were the first fire marshals at the scene of his accident last Sunday. #F1 #SakhirGP pic.twitter.com/BcOvW0tenJ

— Bahrain Int. Circuit (@BAH_Int_Circuit) December 3, 2020

After spending three nights in hospital while his burns were treated, Grosjean was discharged on Wednesday. He also suffered a sprained ankle in the accident and was seen walking into the paddock with bandages on his hands, as well as a cast on his foot.

Grosjean, who paid tribute to F1’s halo head protection device for saving his life, alongside the quick response of the medical teams, is targeting a return at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is set to be his final start in the championship.

Haas will field a completely revised driver line-up featuring rookies Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin for 2021 after deciding to cut ties with Grosjean and current teammate Kevin Magnussen at the end of the year.

Pietro Fittipaldi will stand in for Grosjean to make his F1 debut alongside Magnussen this weekend. 

It’s a pretty emotional garage right now as Romain catches up with all of the team #HaasF1 #SakhirGP pic.twitter.com/FFze5emb62

— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) December 3, 2020