FIA vows to act after Qatar F1 health scares
FIA vows to act after Qatar F1 health scares
The FIA has initiated an investigation into the challenges faced by several drivers in dealing with the physical demands of the Qatar Grand Prix.
Concerns were raised about driver well-being during the gruelling 57-lap race at the Losail International Circuit. Due to safety concerns regarding tyre life, a mandatory three-stop race strategy was enforced by Pirelli and the sport's governing body - which meant almost flat-out racing for the full duration.
Combined with high air temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius and the natural heat generated by F1 cars, cockpit temperatures soared above 60 degrees.
Esteban Ocon revealed he vomited in his helmet early in the race, Logan Sargeant retired due to illness, Lance Stroll and George Russell both battled against fainting and several drivers resorted to lifting their visors during pit stops and on the main straight to seek cooling air.
FIA: Drivers not expected to compete under Qatar conditions
Now, a statement from the FIA has said that following an investigation, they are prepared to make the necessary changes to avoid a repeat of Sunday's scenes.
"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 well-being of the drivers," they said.
"While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardise their health or safety.
We will be working with @F1 to avoid a repeat of extreme conditions such as those experienced by drivers during the #QatarGPhttps://t.co/SmztyiTXZk
— FIA (@fia) October 9, 2023
"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.
"As such, the FIA has begun an analysis into the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future situations of extreme weather conditions."
Changes will be made
The FIA note that although the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix is slated for a later part of the year when temperatures are expected to be cooler, they are taking proactive steps now to prevent a recurrence of this situation.
Various measures will be deliberated upon during the upcoming medical commission meeting in Paris. These measures may encompass providing guidance to competitors, exploring modifications for improved cockpit airflow efficiency, and suggesting adjustments to the calendar to better align with suitable weather conditions, among other possibilities.
The FIA will also examine research from other racing series, like extreme climate cross-country events, for potential insights applicable to F1 events.
READ MORE: Mercedes chief admits BAD LOOK as 'worst possible' happened in Qatar
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Hamilton hit with SURPRISE Ferrari claim as new Cullen relationship blossoms - GPFans F1 Recap
- 48 minutes ago
Current F1 star qualifies for world championship race on two wheels
- 1 hour ago
Ricciardo given HUGE boost after upgrade claim
- 2 hours ago
‘Absolute b******s’ - Newey’s wife SLAMS Red Bull F1 claims
- 3 hours ago
Norris INJURED at party with legendary DJ
- Yesterday 19:57
Newey tipped to POACH key Red Bull staff if he joins F1 rivals
- Yesterday 18:57
Related news
FIA boss HITS OUT at 'court of public opinion' after interference allegations
FIA announce crucial top three UPDATE in China after investigating F1 star
FIA CANCEL important drivers' meeting after huge drama in China
Ecclestone's wife signs letter of SUPPORT for under-fire FIA president
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860