FIA to take ‘all reasonable measures’ for future races following ‘extreme’ conditions at Qatar Grand Prix

The FIA has released a statement expressing its concern over the "extreme temperature and humidity" at the Qatar Grand Prix in Doha.

A handful of drivers suffered from dehydration and heat exhaustion due to the “extreme” conditions as Max Verstappen sealed his 14th race win of the season, a day after confirming a third successive title in Saturday’s sprint event.

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon revealed that he had vomited in his helmet, while Mercedes driver George Russell said he came close to fainting in a race he had "never experienced anything like before".

Logan Sergeant (Williams) was forced to retire early as he struggled with the soaring temperatures, and his team-mate Alex Albon was treated at the medical centre for acute heat exposure.

On Monday, the FIA released a statement on the conditions, which 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.”

Some of the measures that will be up for discussion at the upcoming medical commission meeting are more guidance for competitors, research into modifications for more efficient airflow in the cockpit, and recommendations for changes to the calendar.

“Research from other series, such as cross-country events in extreme climates, will be examined for potential applications to circuit events,” the statement continued.

“The FIA’s commitment to closer cooperation between technical, safety and medical departments under the leadership of the FIA President will facilitate this process.”

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