FIA says it is taking action now to avoid a repeat of the scenario in such ‘extreme weather conditions’; Several drivers suffered heat-related problems; F1 returns with the United States GP – live on Sky Sports F1 from October 20-22
Last updated: 09/10/23 7:56 p.m.
The FIA has confirmed action will be taken after allegations of “dangerous heat” at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Drivers raced in grueling heat in Qatar, with Esteban Ocon revealing he vomited during the Grand Prix, while Lando Norris described the racing conditions as “too dangerous”.
Other drivers also suffered when Logan Sargeant dropped out because he felt “sick”, Alex Albon went to the medical center and did not attend post-race media activities, while Lance Stroll nearly passed out getting out of his Aston Martin after the race.
Humidity, temperatures exceeding 40 degrees and high-speed turns made the race incredibly difficult for the drivers.
Another factor was the 18-lap limit on the tires, which led to a minimum of three pit stops, so the drivers pushed harder during the Grand Prix, won by Max Verstappen on Sunday.
Faced with his concern, the FIA released a statement saying: “The FIA notes with concern that the extreme temperature and humidity during the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix have had an impact on the well-being of the drivers.
“Although they are elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete in conditions that could endanger their health or safety.
“The safe operation of the cars is at all times the responsibility of the competitors. However, as with other safety-related matters such as circuit infrastructure and car safety requirements, the FIA will take all reasonable measures to establish and communicate acceptable parameters in which competitions take place.”
It will now begin an analysis of the situation to try to make recommendations for future “extreme weather” situations.
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Lance Stroll and Alex Albon both struggle to get out of their cars in front of on-board cameras at the end of a grueling Qatar GP. Both drivers were given the green light after medical checks.
Although next year’s Qatar Grand Prix takes place in December, the FIA says it is acting now to avoid a “repeat scenario”.
Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle believes such extreme weather conditions show drivers as the ‘heroes’ they are and provide the ‘challenge’ drivers need.
In a social media post, he said: “It’s races like Qatar and very rainy days that make F1 drivers look like the heroes and athletes they are.”
“Definitely do not subscribe to the weak view that we should not subject them to this kind of challenge.
“Discover Senna in Brazil, Stewart on the rainy Nürburgring, Lauda after the crash, etc.”
Watch Formula 1 return to Texas for the United States Grand Prix and another sprint weekend live on Sky Sports F1 from October 20-22. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW for £21 a month for six months