Lewis Hamilton has won the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix after what was a dramatic start to the race – one to be remembered for many years to come.
It was a dominant display from the seven-time F1 champion, who led from start to finish as Red Bull duo Max Verstappen and Alex Albon rounded out the podium, the first of Thai driver's F1 career, after Sergio Perez retired on the final lap.
As for Motorsport Australia ambassador Daniel Ricciardo, the West Australian ended the race in seventh place, having to work hard for his finish after dropping down the field in the opening stages.
While there was a last minute drama in what was an entertaining race, the Bahrain Grand Prix will forever be remembered for the sensational crash on the opening lap involving Romain Grosjean – one he miraculously walked away from.
With many cars bunched up off the start line, the Frenchman unfortunately clipped Daniil Kvyat after turn three and lost control of the car, heading straight toward the Armco barrier at full speed.
Upon impact, the Haas pierced the barrier, splitting in half and creating a huge fireball as a result. Despite being engulfed in flames after his car squeezed through the barrier, Grosjean managed to escape and into the arms of the fast acting medical
team.
In what was a true testament to motorsport safety and how far it has come in recent years, the crash could have proved fatal, but Grosjean walked away alive with the Halo being one of the saving factors of his survival.
After being transported to hospital with minor burns and no major fractures, Grosjean took to social media via video to announce he was okay and pay tribute to medical staff and the Halo.
“Hello everyone, I just wanted to say I am okay,” Grosjean said in the Instagram video.
“Thank you very much for all the messages.
“I wasn’t for the halo some years ago, but I think it’s the greatest thing that we’ve brought to Formula 1, and without it I wouldn’t be able to speak to you today.
“So thanks to all the medical staff at the circuit, at the hospital, and hopefully I can write you quite soon some messages and tell you how it’s going.”
It’s back-to-back weekends for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with the Sakhir Grand Prix to take place at Bahrain International Circuit this weekend.