The FIA, the world automobile association, has noted with “concern” the extreme physical strain on the Formula 1 drivers at the Qatar Grand Prix and has announced an analysis.
“Even if they are elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete in conditions that could endanger their health or safety,” the FIA said on Monday.
The race on Sunday pushed the drivers to their limits and in some cases even beyond them due to the external conditions with temperatures of more than 31 degrees and 77 percent humidity. Esteban Ocon said he vomited at full speed. Other drivers also reported major problems; Logan Sargeant, for example, parked his Williams prematurely.
“Today we found the limit, some people are in the medical center,” said third-placed McLaren driver Lando Norris: “It gets very hot in the narrow cars, and it was a physical race anyway. At the speeds we “It’s dangerous to drive.”
Formula 1 wants to “avoid a repeat of this scenario”
The message has apparently reached the FIA. The world association has “begun with an analysis of the situation in Qatar in order to make recommendations for future situations with extreme weather conditions,” it said. “A number of measures will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the medical commission in Paris.”
Next year the Qatar Grand Prix will not take place until the beginning of December – and therefore probably in more pleasant conditions. However, the FIA does not want to rely on this and prefers to “take measures now to avoid a repeat of this scenario”.