Driver Makes F1 Return Five Years after Crash Set Him on Fire for 28 Seconds

A driver is set to return to Formula 1 five years after a terrifying crash that left him on fire for 28 seconds.

Five years ago, Romain Grosjean was involved in a huge crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix, while he was racing for Haas.

After crashing into the barriers at high-speed, his car split into two and set on fire. Miraculously, Grosjean escaped the burning car, despite being trapped inside for almost half a minute.

His only injuries were burns to the back of his hands. He missed the last two races of that season, and having not held an F1 seat since, he has not returned to the sport.

Instead, Grosjean moved to compete in America's IndyCar series, where he has secured six podium finishes. Now, the Frenchman is poised to make a Formula 1 comeback with Haas, the team he last raced for in the sport.

Romain Grosjean. Image: James Gilbert / Contributor via Getty

Grosjean will drive the Haas VF-23 around the Mugello circuit in Italy on Friday. The test will take place under F1's Testing of Previous Cars regulations.

Joining him at the circuit will be Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, and Dominic Haines, who was Grosjean's most recent race engineer at Haas.

Grosjean said: “I’m incredibly grateful to Gene Haas and to Ayao Komatsu for inviting me to participate in the TPC [testing of previous cars] at Mugello.

“To say I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car would naturally be an understatement.

“I really can’t believe it’s been almost five years, but to come back and have this outing with my old team is truly something special.

“I’m at last going to be able to give it a go in a Formula 1 car on Friday."

Romain Grosjean with bandages at Bahrain GP. Image: Bryn Lennon / Staff via Getty

The test will also be a meaningful experience for those who worked closely with Grosjean during his time at Haas.

Komatsu added: “Romain and I have worked together throughout his entire Formula 1 career so this test at Mugello is of particular significance to us both.

“I’m delighted he embraced the opportunity to come and get back behind the wheel with us.

"A day that’s going to be made extra special by having so many members of the original crew back together to witness it.

“It should be a fun day and knowing Romain as I do, I know he’ll want to give it his all as usual – I’d expect nothing less, not least as we’ve talked about making this happen for a long time now.”