Romain Grosjean’s Bahrain 2020 crash chassis to be displayed in Formula 1 Exhibition in Madrid

Fans visiting the Formula 1 Exhibition in Madrid next month will be the first in the world to witness the remains of Romain Grosjean’s car from his dramatic crash at 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix.

The former Haas driver hit the wall at almost 120mph during the opening lap of the race, and spent 28 seconds engulfed by fire before climbing out to safety.

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The remains of Grosjean’s car, which split in half at high speed and instantly exploded, have been kept under wraps for three years. Following a close collaboration between Haas 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. 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.

In a short film released today, Grosjean shared his personal recollection of the harrowing incident.

“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,” Grosjean recalled 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.”

GROSJEAN SPEAKS: On how he escaped fiery crash, his secret injury, whether he'll race again – and more

“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 Ian Roberts, Alan [van der Merwe] 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, which has been an area of constant improvement and innovations thanks to the ongoing investment in safety standards by the sport’s governing body, the FIA.

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 March 24 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.

READ MORE: Tickets go on sale for first official Formula 1 Exhibition

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 for the Formula 1 Exhibition can be purchased here – or for more information, click here.