The FIA have announced that they will be working with Formula One to try and ‘avoid a repeat’ of the extreme conditions that drivers had to contend with during the Qatar Grand Prix. Several stars complained about the temperatures on Sunday, with three drivers taking themselves to the medical centre after falling unwell as a result of overheating.
Following the barrage of complaints, the FIA released a statement on Monday night that read: “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. While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardise 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.
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.”
