The extreme warmth and flat-out nature of the race at Losail on Sunday left drivers dealing with one of many largest challenges of their careers, which they described as “hell” and “torture”.
Logan Sargeant had to retire with heatstroke, Esteban Ocon was sick in his helmet, Lance Stroll stated he handed out a number of occasions and different racers struggled to make it to the chequered flag earlier than needing to go to the medical centre.
Lando Norris reckoned that the best way the occasion had performed out was proper on the sting – as he made clear he didn’t assume it had been protected.
“It is by no means a pleasant scenario to be in, some folks ending up within the medical centre or passing out, and issues like that. So, a reasonably harmful factor to have happening.
“Nevertheless it’s not some extent the place you’ll be able to simply go, the drivers want to coach extra or do any of that. We’re in a closed automotive that will get extraordinarily sizzling in a really bodily race. And it is irritating.
“I suppose on TV, it most likely would not look very bodily in any respect, however clearly, when you might have individuals who find yourself retiring or in such a nasty state, it is an excessive amount of, you understand, for the speeds we’re doing. It’s too harmful.”
In response to the occasions, motor racing’s governing physique has promised to open a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Qatar GP – because it made clear drivers shouldn’t be anticipated to compete in such situations.
Logan Sargeant, Williams Racing
Picture by: Williams F1
In a press release issued on Monday evening, it stated: “The FIA notes with concern that the acute temperature and humidity through the 2023 FIA System 1 Qatar Grand Prix had an affect on the wellbeing of the drivers.
“Whereas being elite athletes, they shouldn’t be anticipated to compete underneath situations that might jeopardise their well being or security.
“The protected operation of the vehicles is, always, the duty of the opponents, nevertheless as with different issues regarding security corresponding to circuit infrastructure and automotive security necessities, the FIA will take all affordable measures to ascertain and talk acceptable parameters during which competitions are held.”
Whereas the return to Qatar subsequent yr will probably be in late November, when situations are cooler, the FIA stated that additional measures should be taken to raised perceive the components at play – so it might probably situation pointers going ahead.
“The FIA has begun an evaluation into the scenario in Qatar to offer suggestions for future conditions of maximum climate situations,” it added.
“It must be famous that whereas subsequent yr’s version of the Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled later within the yr, when temperatures are anticipated to be decrease, the FIA prefers to take materials motion now to keep away from a repeat of this state of affairs.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, 2nd place, rests in Parc Ferme
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
“Quite a few measures will probably be mentioned on the upcoming medical fee assembly in Paris. Measures might embody steerage for opponents, analysis into modifications for extra environment friendly airflow within the cockpit, and proposals for modifications to the calendar to align with acceptable weather conditions, amongst others.”
The FIA added that it’s going to see if there are any classes that may be discovered from desert rallying, the place coping with the warmth is frequent, that may be utilized to F1 and different single-seater classes.
“Analysis from different collection, corresponding to cross-country occasions in excessive climates, will probably be examined for potential purposes to circuit occasions,” it stated.
“The FIA’s dedication to nearer cooperation between technical, security and medical departments underneath the management of the FIA President will facilitate this course of.”