Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, has announced proactive measures to safeguard drivers from the extreme heat and humidity that marred Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix. Amid concerns for drivers’ well-being, the FIA is determined to avoid a repeat of these conditions.
Numerous drivers faced dire physical conditions, with some nearing collapse, vomiting, and suffering severe dehydration after the race’s conclusion. Williams’ rookie, Logan Sargeant, was even too unwell to continue.
In an official statement, the International Automobile Federation declared, “We have initiated an analysis of the situation in Qatar to formulate recommendations for future extreme weather scenarios. Potential measures encompass providing guidance to competitors, exploring cockpit airflow improvements, and proposing calendar adjustments to align with suitable climatic conditions.”
The FIA is also examining insights from other motorsport series, like cross-country events in extreme climates, for possible application in circuit racing.
These measures will be discussed further during a meeting of the FIA’s medical commission in Paris. Notably, during the night race at the Lusail circuit, the track temperature never dropped below 36 degrees Celsius (96.8°F), while daytime temperatures exceeded 40 degrees.
The FIA acknowledged that the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for December, a time when temperatures are expected to be lower. However, the organization is determined “to take material action now to avoid a repeat of this scenario.”
In the words of newly crowned world champion Max Verstappen, who drives for Red Bull, “Some of the guys who were struggling today are extremely fit, probably even fitter than me, but just the whole day it’s like you’re walking around in a sauna.”
The inaugural Qatar Grand Prix in 2021 took place in late November. The absence of a race in 2022 was due to Qatar hosting the soccer World Cup. The Formula One calendar is developed by the commercial rights holder and approved by the FIA. Middle Eastern rounds are typically scheduled at the start and end of the season to avoid the hottest months. Next year’s calendar is set to comprise a record 24 rounds. Drivers have previously encountered challenges with heat and humidity in races held in Singapore and Miami.
