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FIA release statement about Qatar Grand Prix conditions

FIA on weather in Qatar: 'They shouldn't be expected to do that'

9 October 2023 at 20:10
Last update 9 October 2023 at 21:52
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  • Sam Godber

The Qatar Grand Prix was labelled by quite a few drivers as the toughest race they have ever done. While it was about 35 degrees Celsius in Doha, the race was held at Losail. The conditions were not pleasant for the drivers as they suffered immensely from the heat on the track.

Lance Stroll said he was passing out, Esteban Ocon was sick, and Logan Sargeant retired after 40 laps because he felt ill. The FIA says this was absolutely not the intention. "Although they are top athletes, they should not be expected to participate in races under conditions that could endanger their health or safety," the FIA writes.

FIA putting money where their mouth is

First up, the FIA are putting their money where their mouth is on what actually happened at the Qatar Grand Prix. "The FIA has started analysing the situation in Qatar in order to make recommendations for future situations with extreme weather conditions, the organisation reveals. "Although the Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for next year 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."

Recently, drivers such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Yuki Tsunoda spoke about the intense conditions they had to race in. Leclerc even called it "the toughest race of anyone's career". And anyone who said it was not, was lying, the Monegasque suggested.