Malaysian GP: Haas can break curfew to fix 17G Grosjean crash damage

Grosjean's car was pitched in to a spin at 170mph after his right rear tyre was destroyed when it ran over a broken drain cover that had been dislodged by Valtteri Bottas's Mercedes at Turn 13.

His car skipped across the gravel trap and smashed into the tyre barriers, suffering significant damage.

Due to the unique nature of the crash, which neither the team nor driver were responsible for, Haas applied for extra time to fix the car beyond the curfew limits.

This permission was granted by the FIA as a case of 'force majeure.'

Speaking about his crash, Grosjean said he had not been aware of anything being wrong until his car was already out of control - and he was heading for the barriers.

"I thought I had blown up a tyre on the kerb as I didn't see the drain at all," he said.

"When I saw the footage a bit later on with the drain coming out and hitting the tyres, I understand what happened.

"It is unfortunate but I am lucky that we are good. There is a lot of damage on the car.

"The guys are going to work very, very hard to get it back in one piece, and I am sure the FIA and the circuit are looking into it and finding solutions for tomorrow."

Grosjean said that team data had registered an impact of 17G as he hit the barriers.

One of the consequences of the crash was that he has lost a new updated floor and front wing that he had hoped to run this weekend.

"We had a brand new floor and that is gone, and a new front wing is gone as well," he said. "So some parts that we cannot replace to be as good as they were."

When asked what F1 race director Charlie Whiting had told him after the incident, he said: "During the drivers' briefing Charlie apologised and said that everyone involved was going to work really hard to make it better for tomorrow.

"I am lucky I have nothing [hurt]. There is damage in the car which is a bit of a shame but I think the most important thing is that I am okay and it will be solved for tomorrow."