Why the Qatar GP was so grueling for the drivers?
The 2023 Qatar GP saw F1 drivers struggle through brutal cockpit heat. The punishing conditions raised serious questions over racing in extreme temperatures and led to calls for the FIA to review scheduling such races.
The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix will go down as one of the most grueling races in Formula 1 history.
Drivers endured sweltering cockpit temperatures coupled with intense physical exertion.
Post-race, an alarming picture emerged of drivers vomiting, receiving medical treatment and struggling through "hellish" conditions likened to "torture" by Valtteri Bottas.
Brutal combination of factors
Unlike the cooler November race in 2021, this year's event fell in early October with minimal wind.
The lack of airflow compounded already extreme ambient heat and humidity. With no safety car after Lap 1, drivers pushed flat-out through multiple qualifying-style stints.
Continual high-speed cornering generated enormous g-forces. Dehydration further taxed the field, with drivers reminded to drink despite undrinkably hot water bottles.
Technical issues like Fernando Alonso's burning seat exacerbated matters.
However, the prime factor was the punishing three-stop strategy.
Esteban Ocon explained this necessitated non-stop maximum pushes, unlike managing tires over stints.
Charles Leclerc noted repeated qualifying laps brought "dehydration to such a level" that vision and heart rate became hugely impacted.
This deterioration of concentration and focus proved especially challenging at a track where nailing limits consistently was vital.
Concerning toll on drivers
The horrendous conditions exacted a worrying toll on drivers. Ocon shockingly vomited in his cockpit for two laps, eventually summoning the mental determination to recover.
However, others fared worse. Williams' Logan Sargeant pulled out mid-race, later joined in the medical center by Alex Albon.
Following Logan’s retirement from the Grand Prix, he has been assessed and cleared by the medical team on-site after suffering from intense dehydration during the race weakened by having flu like symptoms earlier in the week. pic.twitter.com/oeLhDrtfGC
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) October 8, 2023
While both were cleared to fly home, the rest of the field exhibited obvious signs of intense suffering post-race.
Drivers emerged from cockpits after staggering physical ordeals, some heading straight for team hospitality before facing media.
There were questions whether drivers should even have raced in such extreme circumstances.
The cooldown room lived up to its name! 😅#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/A4H8zHPbmn
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2023
Calls for review of scheduling
The FIA has pledged to work with F1 to prevent any repeat of the Qatar GP's nightmarish conditions.
Clearly, the October race date negatively impacted drivers unlike the 2021 late-November event.
With the 2024 race scheduled for December, serious consideration must be given to weather risks.
We’re pleased to report that everyone is ok after today’s #QatarGP. Thank you for all your messages of support, team. 💚 pic.twitter.com/GiDBgz1frx
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) October 8, 2023
The 2022 Qatar GP subjected drivers to unprecedented physical hardship from extreme heat.
The FIA must prioritize driver wellbeing in reviewing the scheduling of future races.
No victory is worth the shocking scenes of drained and suffering drivers in Qatar.
Comments ()