Miracle at the Grand Prix of Bahrain

Formula 1 has always given very strong emotions, seeing the cars speeding at 300 km/h and following one another with spectacular overtaking is what fascinates us most about this sport. But inside the cars, drivers must observe a high concentration in order to reduce the error that could be fatal.

Over the years the safety systems have been dramatically increased, technology and the sad experience of some drivers who have lost their lives, have made the racing car one of the safest places. Last Sunday in Bahrain in the penultimate GP of the season, a terrible accident, with potentially fatal implications, is the demonstration of how technology can save man.

Dynamics of the accident

On the first lap, immediately after a few tens of seconds from the start, when the cars are so close that the slightest mistake could turn into a dangerous accident, outside the corner 4, Grosjean travels at 221 km/h when he makes a mistake maneuver and touches with Daniil Kvat losing control. His car loses control and as he shoots like a mad arrow at the protective barrier, it crashes, breaks and catches fire. After a few seconds, while we all put our hands through our hair thinking about the worst, Grosjean emerges from the flames, having got up on his own from the remains of his car, and was immediately rescued by doctors. Some trauma, some burns to his hands but he's fine!

Miracle!

Surely luck is important but given the extent of the accident, if the pilot is still alive, it is also thanks to the safety structures, including the Halo. The Halo is a safety system to protect the driver from any debris or car parts that may hit the car following the frequent accidents that can occur during the race. It is a titanium bar, therefore very resistant, weighing about 9 kilos and well welded to the machine structure. The Halo in this circumstance prevented the protective barrier plates from causing severe trauma to the head, also protecting it from sharp shrapnel.

In addition, the survival cell in which the driver is stored inside the car is structured in such a way as to guarantee maximum safety also to the torso and limbs, a carbon shell reinforced by layers of kevlar (a material used in bulletproof vests).

The car during the impact literally split into 2 parts but this also falls within the safety protocols: the impact at high speed against an obstacle, whether it is the protective barrier or another means, generates a deceleration force impressive and destructive to the pilots. In addition, they are equipped with additional protection devices such as the Hans collar which still guarantees a reduction in the force generated by the impact.

A similar accident in 2014 occurred to driver Jules Bianchi, who lost control of his car and crashed into a tractor, an accident that cost him his life. This terrible episode dramatically increased all car protection systems and last Sunday saved the life of a driver.