The FIA has begun an analysis of the situation at the Qatar Grand Prix after concerns were raised by the extreme conditions faced by drivers in Sunday’s race.
Logan Sargeant retired due to feeling unwell, while Alex Albon had to be treated at the medical center and Lance Stroll also needed medical attention after both struggled to get out of their cars post-race. Multiple other drivers reported coming close to stopping or passing out in the car due to spiraling body temperatures, and the FIA will now look into the factors that caused such a situation.
“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 wellbeing of the drivers,” an FIA statement read. “While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardize their health or safety. 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.
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“As such, the FIA has begun an analysis into the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future situations of extreme weather conditions. It should be noted that while next year’s edition of the Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled later in the year, when temperatures are expected to be lower, the FIA prefers to take material action now to avoid a repeat of this scenario.”
As the governing body only signs off on the calendar put together by Formula 1 itself, the FIA suggested it could become more strict over when it allows races to be held in response to racing in Qatar in early October when the average high through the month is 95F, and temperatures this weekend exceeded 110F at times.
“A number of measures will be discussed at the upcoming medical commission meeting in Paris,” the FIA statement continued. “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.”