The International Federation (FIA) announced on Monday that it would take measures to protect drivers from the type of extreme heat and humidity they experienced on Sunday at the Qatar Grand Prix. Some of them found themselves on the verge of collapse, vomiting and being severely dehydrated after arrival. Logan Sargeant (Williams) even felt too ill to continue.
During the day, temperatures reached 40 degrees and did not drop below 36 degrees at night during the race. In a statement, the FIA said it had begun an analysis of the situation in Qatar, to provide recommendations for future extreme weather situations.
The next Qatar GP in December
“Measures may include advice for competitors, research into modifications for more efficient airflow in the cockpit, and recommendations for changes to the schedule to align with acceptable climate conditions,” wrote the instance. The measures in question will be discussed at an upcoming meeting of its medical commission in Paris.
The FIA also indicated that next year’s Grand Prix in Qatar will take place in December, when temperatures are expected to be lower, but said it preferred to “take material measures now to avoid a repeat of this scenario “. Drivers had also struggled to cope with the heat and humidity in Singapore and Miami this season.
