Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean has told Sky he was "at peace" with dying during the 28 seconds he was trapped in his burning car, following a horrific crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

(Sky news)

The 34-year-old Frenchman miraculously escaped with minor burns after his Haas car was sliced in half by a safety barrier and burst into flames during last Sunday's race.

He said the thought of his children - and also what happened to F1 legend Niki Lauda - gave him the strength to finally escape.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, he described the moment he realised his car was on fire after hitting barriers at around 137mph (220kmh).

(Sky News)

Grosjean told Sky F1's Martin Brundle: "The first thing I did was undo the seatbelt, try to remove the wheel - which was gone, so at least one less concern - and then try to jump out.

"I hit something on top of my helmet, so I sit back down and thought I must be upside down up against the barrier, so I'll wait until they come and help me.

"I looked to my right, looked to my left, and it was all orange. That's strange, I thought… Then I realised it was fire. So I knew I didn't have time until they come."

(Lupni.com/Sky News)