The Qatar GP was one of the most torturous locations for all of the F1 drivers. Their condition deteriorated over time, providing extreme difficulties for the drivers to endure while racing.
Qatar is an extremely hot country, with its temperature often rising above 50 degrees. Under those circumstances, racing while wearing helmets and being under pressure inside the car could be tormenting for anyone.
F1 drivers express concern about extreme heat at Qatar GP
Many drivers, such as Logan Sargeant and Esteban Ocon, had to struggle due to the intense conditions in the race, expressing that it was difficult for them to reach the checkered flag without passing out.
Lando Norris believed that the unfolding of the event had been perilously close to the limit, expressing his concern about its lack of safety.
“It’s never a nice situation to be in, some people ending up in the medical centre or passing out, and things like that,” he said. “So, a pretty dangerous thing to have going on. But it’s not a point where you can just go, the drivers need to train more or do any of that. We’re in a closed car that gets extremely hot in a very physical race. And it’s frustrating.”
“I guess on TV, it probably doesn’t look very physical at all, but, when you have people who end up retiring or in such a bad state, it’s too much, you know, for the speeds we’re doing. It is too dangerous.”
According to Charles Leclerc, their muscles weren’t excessively tired instead, the issue arose from dehydration.
“You lose so much water that the vision gets bad towards the end of the race, especially at high speed with the G-forces and the reflexes are all so much worse,” the driver said to the F1 TV.
FIA made announcemnet about taking action to prevent harsh conditions for F1 drivers
Responding to the drivers’ pledges, motor racing’s governing body announced that they would be investigating the matter, by postponing the races further in November by examining how the drivers would be in a suitable condition while racing in the country.
“The FIA has begun an analysis into the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future situations of extreme weather conditions,”
“It should be noted that while next year’s edition of the Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled later in the year when temperatures are expected to be lower, the FIA prefers to take material action now to avoid a repeat of this scenario.”
In a statement issued on Monday night, they said, “The FIA notes with concern that the extreme temperature and humidity during the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix had an impact on the wellbeing of the drivers.
“While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardise their health or safety.
“The safe operation of the cars is, at all times, the responsibility of the competitors, however, as with other matters relating to safety such as circuit infrastructure and car safety requirements, the FIA will take all reasonable measures to establish and communicate acceptable parameters in which competitions are held.”
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