Previously unseen remains of Romain Grosjean’s car from 2020 crash to go on display at Formula 1® Exhibition in Toronto
Toronto, ON – April 16, 2024 – Fans visiting the Formula 1® Exhibition in Toronto next month will be the first in North America to witness Romain Grosjean’s dramatic crash at the FORMULA 1® BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2020 like never before, as previously unseen remains of Grosjean’s car and exclusive video from the driver himself give fans a fresh perspective.
The former Haas F1® Team 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, have been carefully preserved. In close collaboration with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team; the Ferrari power unit, and large pieces of the engine cover will be displayed at The Formula 1® Exhibition Toronto presented by TSN at the Lighthouse ArtSpace Toronto. Other car remnants that fans will have the unique opportunity to see up close include the radiator, rear wheel and suspension, broken steering column and more. The chassis is currently on display at the Formula 1® Exhibition in Vienna.
Hosted within a purpose-built room titled Survival, remnants of Grosjean’s car will be accompanied by a large video installation showing previously unseen footage of the crash. In an exclusive short film, Romain shares his personal recollection of the harrowing incident. The room is one of six 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,” 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.”
“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 May 3, 2024, North America’s first official Formula 1® Exhibition will be hosted in Toronto for a limited time. Officially developed in association with Formula 1® and with unprecedented support from the motorsport community, the immersive show, spanning over 20,000 sq. ft., boasts a wide range of artifacts and contributions from the sport’s most legendary teams, experts, and personalities.
Produced in partnership with Round Room Live and Pathfinder 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®.
Tickets for The Formula 1® Exhibition Toronto presented by TSN are on sale and available at F1Exhibition.ca.
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