2023-10-19 19:51:19
Contested in intense heat, the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix was particularly trying for the drivers – the most trying experienced by most of them according to those involved. Logan Sargeant et Alexander Albon even had to make a stopover at the medical center, because they suffered so much. That the race was placed on the calendar six weeks earlier than the inaugural edition in 2021 has been the subject of criticism, although the situation will be rectified in 2024, since the Grand Prix is scheduled for December 1.
The day following the race, the FIA announced that it had “launched an analysis of the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future severe weather situations”. CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, for his part, wrote to the president of the GPDA, Alexander Wurz, in order to thank the drivers for their efforts in Qatar by highlighting their incredible qualities as athletes and specifying that holding this Grand Prix in October was inevitable. The GPDA appreciated this rapid reaction from Domenicali, who maintains dialogue with Wurz on this subject.
“Stefano contacted us very quickly following the race”indicates the Austrian Motorsport.com. “It is usual, it is frequent for him to communicate personally with the GPDA. The letter he sent us was of an informative nature: he said that he was aware, like everyone else, that the race had been very tough, and he informed the drivers that the next Qatar GP would be at a later date.”
“The FIA, following initially announcing the investigation to the media, is also in contact with us. We have started to exchange ideas and suggestions, with a common desire to study the subject and debate what is necessary, through a thoughtful and reasonable approach.”
Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) ahead of Sergio Pérez (Red Bull)
Zhou Guanyu comments for his part: “We’re lucky that everyone has the health to race this weekend, because it was a tough Sunday, especially in the drivers’ room, everyone was lying on the floor trying to cool down their bodies. “It was a terrifying moment for everyone.” How long did it take to recover? “I’d say two or three days; you don’t feel tired, but you just feel a little mentally destroyed following this race.”
“And we attacked. There was this change in regulations on tires on Sunday [avec des relais de 18 tours maximum, ndlr], which also made a big difference, since usually we manage the tires, so we don’t really attack 100% throughout the race, because that’s not possible with the Pirelli tires. We will obviously send feedback to F1 on this subject. We already have letters sent by FOM, but I just think it’s best that these situations are avoided. I think it just puts people at risk, for no good reason.”
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