Formula 1 is under scrutiny following the demanding Qatar Grand Prix, raising questions about its race scheduling and track conditions.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz expressed reservations about the decision to hold the race in Qatar during the desert’s scorching season even before arriving at the venue.
“I know there is a different date next year, but yes, it was a scheduling mistake,” he remarked to Spanish reporters on Thursday.
World champion Max Verstappen concurred, saying, “Before the trip, I looked at the temperatures and to be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to it.”
Their concerns became evident on Sunday when several drivers experienced illness due to the mandatory three-stop strategies, necessitated in part by the circuit’s tire-damaging kerbs.
Qatar’s circuit underwent extensive renovations, and Formula 1 became the first to test it.
Verstappen noted, “The new asphalt was still sweating out all the oils, so we looked a little foolish as a sport because we were sliding around on the first day. Perhaps we should consider some things for the future.”
Rookie Logan Sargeant retired from the race due to severe dehydration, while Lance Stroll suffered vision problems and struggled to an ambulance after exiting his Aston Martin.
Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo compared the conditions to being in an unending sauna, while George Russell tried to cool himself down by driving without hands on straights. Esteban Ocon revealed he vomited in his helmet twice.
Charles Leclerc commented, “This was a step over the limit. If such conditions recur, we must devise a solution.”
Lando Norris, who finished on the podium, said, “It was excessively hot and dangerously so. We need to address this. It’s unfortunate we had to discover this under these circumstances.”
The FIA has already resolved the scheduling issue, with the Qatar GP for next year scheduled for December, avoiding the scorching season.
Nonetheless, Norris remarked, “It should have been anticipated. It shouldn’t have happened in the first place.”
Oscar Piastri, who finished second behind Max Verstappen, believes Formula 1 managed to escape a potentially dire situation.
“I think Thursday was like four or five degrees hotter than today,” he said. “So, in a way, we’re a bit fortunate it wasn’t worse. We need discussions on various aspects from this weekend.”
