Grosjean in good spirits after Bahrain crash - praises Halo

Romain Grosjean will remain under observation in hospital overnight in Bahrain, the Haas driver saying he "feels good" in the wake of his miraculous escape from Sunday's horrendous crash.

Grosjean was initially treated at Bahrain International Circuit's medical center before he was airlifted to Manama for a more thorough examination.

Haas provided an update on Grosjean's condition on Sunday evening:

"Following medical evaluation by doctors at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, Haas F1 Team driver Romain Grosjean will remain in hospital overnight to be treated for burns sustained on the back of both hands after his opening lap incident at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

"All X-rays performed on Grosjean came back clear of fractures."

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A smiling and good spirited Grosjean, who was visited by FIA president Jean Todt, provided his fans on social media with his own update from his hospital bed, and highlighted how the halo cockpit safety device - whose introduction he had initially criticized - had saved his life.

"Hello everyone, I just wanted to say I am OK - well, sort of OK," said an upbeat Grosjean.

"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 with 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."

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner said he would assess on Monday the team's situation regarding next weekend's Sakhir Grand Prix and whether Grosjean would be fit to return to action.

"Knowing him, he wants to be back, but we'll see that tomorrow when they take the bandages off because he has no idea what they look like," Steiner said.

"For me at the moment, the only good thing is, nothing bad happened. For sure it wasn't good, but he's safe, he's healthy.

"The rest we'll see tomorrow when we speak with the doctors.

"I don't want to speak about the back-up plan. The back-up plan is to have Romain in if he's alright to do it."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.