F1 Round-Up: Qatar & Austria at risk, Alonso's "Semi-Burn" cockpit, Pirelli until 2027

Track limits threaten Qatar and Austria

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued a stern warning that venues like Losail and the Red Bull Ring must address ongoing track limits problems or risk losing their slots on the F1 calendar.

Ben Sulayem stressed that the onus is on circuits to implement changes like modified kerbs and gravel traps, rather than relying solely on stewarding.

He cited the recent Austrian GP, where over 1,200 track limits violations occurred, as "unacceptable."

According to Ben Sulayem, "If they don't [address the issue], there is no race. It is as simple as this."

He aims to have solutions urgently implemented for 2024, but noted the FIA needs greater investment to properly police track limits breaches, saying "We can't afford this."

Ben Sulayem suggested "one of the solutions is to make it slippery when they go off. Nobody can stop the drivers except the drivers themselves."

He wants to listen to driver feedback, stating "We have to listen to the drivers mainly, to the feedback from them."

Alonso "semi-burn" cockpit

Qatar's oppressive heat and humidity extracted a painful toll on drivers in Sunday's grand prix.

Fernando Alonso revealed he endured a "semi-burn" on his right side after just 15 laps, and unsuccessfully asked his team to "Throw me water or something!" during pit stops - which he says is banned.

Alonso felt the conditions were "probably on the limit" of acceptability for racing, musing "Maybe we need to have a minimum or maximum temperature or humidity."

Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll admitted to "passing out in the car" in the extreme heat.

Alonso felt the conditions were "on the limit" of acceptability for racing and suggested "in the future as well, like in the football, sometimes in the hotter conditions, they have some breaks or something."

Pirelli retains tyre contract through 2027

After a competitive tender process, F1 has announced Pirelli will continue supplying tyres through at least the 2027 season.

The new deal also covers F2 and F3. Pirelli fended off a strong challenge from rival Bridgestone to retain the contract, valued commercially by F1's growth and sustainability goals.

From 2024, Pirelli tyres will be FSC certified for full traceability and forest sustainability.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized Pirelli's role in supporting sustainability, stating "Work will continue in the coming years to take further strides both in terms of performance and sustainability, and Pirelli have made strong commitments to both of these targets."

If Pirelli receives a contract option for 2028, it will mark 18 consecutive seasons supplying F1.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali noted "Pirelli's commitment to quality, innovation and their deep knowledge of our sport will be vital in the coming years."