FIA Responds To Extreme Conditions Amid Qatar Grand Prix Concerns

Tuesday, 10 October 2023 at 23:00

Updated at Tuesday, 10 October 2023 at 23:23

Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) puts out an official statement concerning "competing in extreme climatic conditions" post-2023 Qatar Grand Prix.

While the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix brought great action on track, numerous concerns have surfaced since the race finished. Multiple drivers have described the harsh conditions created by the climate present at the Lusail International Circuit that hosts the Qatar Grand Prix.

The combination of high temperatures and humidity made the race unbearable for Logan Sargeant, who retired on lap 41. Esteban Ocon threw up during the race, and many other drivers like Lando Norris, Pierre Gasly, and Kevin Magnussen described the race as the most demanding race ever.

In response to all the concerns, FIA issued a statement acknowledging the impacts of the recent race on the well-being of the drivers. The organization plans to take several measures to ensure safety at all circuits in the F1 calendar.

"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. "

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"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."

While the race has already been rescheduled for the 2024 season to the end of the calendar, FIA has begun an analysis of the situation created during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.

FIA is taking this situation seriously and will take multiple measures following the analysis to prevent the Qatar 2023 scenario from repeating. The statement outlines some of the steps that will be discussed at a medical commission meeting in Paris:

"Measures may include guidance for competitors, research into modifications for more efficient airflow in the cockpit, and recommendations for changes to the calendar to align with acceptable climatic conditions, amongst others."

"Research from other series, such as cross-country events in extreme climates, will be examined for potential applications to circuit events. The FIA’s commitment to closer cooperation between technical, safety, and medical departments under the leadership of the FIA President will facilitate this process."