Formula 1: “Far too dangerous”: Drivers rage after ordeal in Qatar

Almost unconscious drivers who vomited into their helmets during the race and then needed medical attention: In the scorching heat of Qatar, Formula 1 reached its limits and perhaps only escaped serious consequences with luck.

“That was far too dangerous,” said McLaren driver Lando Norris after the brutal ordeal in Qatar. “I thought I was going to faint. It was crazy how hot it was, like an oven,” said George Russell, describing his ride in the Mercedes.

Several drivers were treated medically for dehydration in the toughest conditions after the Grand Prix in the desert north of Doha, and Williams newcomer Logan Sargeant even gave up prematurely due to exhaustion. “When people are in such bad condition, it’s too much. We still have to talk about that,” said third-placed Norris.

F1 pilots examined in clinic

The American Sargeant had vomited in his vehicle and couldn’t even get out of the car on his own in the garage. Supported by the mechanics, the 22-year-old was taken away, but he later got better and the doctors released him from the track hospital.

Just like teammate Alexander Albon, who also had to be examined because he was exposed to high heat in the cockpit for too long. Williams apparently had problems because the cockpit heated up additionally for a reason that was not yet known.

But many colleagues also felt bad during and after the heat race. Esteban Ocon from Alpine was feeling sick at times and had difficulty reaching the finish. “I’ve never experienced anything like that. I’m actually physically prepared to even drive two race distances, but that was just too much for me,” said the Frenchman. The Spanish newspaper “Marca” wrote of a “hellish race.”

When the conditions cause the racers to almost pass out at 300 km/h and threaten to lose control of the cars, a limit has been crossed. “You can’t see as well, your reflexes are much slower. A lot happens to the body and that makes it difficult to be precise at 320 kilometers per hour when the visibility is no longer as good as it was at the beginning,” explained Ferrari- Star Charles Leclerc.

Sauna temperatures in the cockpit

“It’s like being in a sauna, it’s just too warm,” said world champion and race winner Max Verstappen, who is known for his excellent fitness: “It has nothing to do with training because we are all very fit.” The Dutchman usually gets out of his Red Bull quite relaxed, but his 14th win of the season took all his strength one day after successfully defending his title. The 26-year-old had to sit down and was sweating more than ever before.

“That was the hardest race of my life,” said runner-up Oscar Piastri from McLaren and demanded: “We have to talk about it, it’s not a good situation for us drivers.”

Former world champion Fernando Alonso even asked his Aston Martin team over the radio whether they could simply pour water over his head during a pit stop. “But that wasn’t allowed,” said the 42-year-old Spaniard: “My seat was burning hot and I had the feeling that my right side was being burned by the heat.”

Even towards the end of the race at around 9.30 p.m. local time, temperatures were still over 30 degrees and humidity was almost 80 percent. It had been even warmer in the previous days, with temperatures sometimes rising to more than 40 degrees during the day. “You have to look at it, it was definitely much too warm. These temperatures are too extreme,” said Verstappen.

At least the racing calendar for next year eases the worries in the paddock. For 2024, the Grand Prix is ​​not scheduled for December 1st, two months later at the beginning of winter. At least what is considered winter in Qatar.