Grosjean Reunited With Helmet From Terrifying 2020 Crash

Five years after his life-threatening crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, Romain Grosjean has been reunited with the charred helmet he wore that day. The reunion, prompted by his children's desire to understand his survival, brought back vivid memories of the incident that marked the end of his Formula 1 career but ultimately became a testament to modern F1 safety.

Why it matters:

Grosjean's survival against all odds is one of the most powerful stories in modern motorsport. It serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of F1 and, more importantly, a celebration of the incredible safety advancements made by the FIA and teams that allow drivers to walk away from catastrophic accidents.

The details:

• Grosjean shared the emotional moment on social media, explaining his children wanted to see the protective gear that saved his life after his Haas car split in two and burst into flames.
• He publicly thanked his helmet manufacturer, Bell, and race suit provider, Alpinestars, for their role in his protection during the 28-second ordeal.
• The helmet, along with his gloves and steering wheel from the crash, are now part of Formula 1's official traveling exhibition, currently on display in Melbourne.
• His former performance coach, Kim Keedle, described seeing the items again as "surreal" and "haunting."
  • Keedle recalled the terrifying moments when Grosjean was unresponsive in the burning car, highlighting the fear for the worst before the immense relief of knowing he had escaped.

Looking ahead:

While the crash ended his F1 tenure, Grosjean went on to build a successful career in IndyCar and even had an emotional final test with Haas in 2025. The reunion with his helmet is not just a look back at a traumatic event, but a celebration of resilience and the progress that makes such stories of survival possible.