Grosjean describes halo as 'greatest thing' from hospital bed, saying he 'wouldn't be here without it'

All things considered, Romain Grosjean was in surprisingly good spirits on Sunday night, filming a video from his hospital bed in Bahrain where he admitted he had changed his view of the halo safety device, saying it was “the greatest thing we brought to Formula 1” after it protected him in his dramatic crash at Sakhir.

Grosjean made contact with Daniil Kvyat on the opening lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix, spearing him into the barriers just after Turn 3. Haas said the impact speed was 221kph before the logger stopped.

READ MORE: Hamilton wins Bahrain GP interrupted by huge Grosjean crash, as Perez suffers late heartbreak

The Frenchman escaped from the ensuing flames unaided, but was swiftly transported to the Bahrain Defence Force hospital for treatment. X-rays revealed he had not suffered any fractures.

“Hello everyone, just wanted to say I’m okay, well, sort of okay,” said Grosjean, holding up bandages covering his burnt hands. “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 we brought to Formula 1 and without it I wouldn’t be able to speak to you today.

“Thanks to all the medical staff at the circuit, at the hospital, and hopefully I can soon write you quite some messages and tell you how it’s going.”

Haas said Grosjean – who was visited by FIA president Jean Todt - will remain in hospital overnight to be treated for burns on the back of both of his hands.

READ MORE: Drivers praise halo and F1 safety as Grosjean makes ‘miracle’ escape from crash