Will the Grand Prix of Qatar be included among those events that were behind the change of rules or safety standards? So far, everything points to that. Today we can say with certainty that the FIA plans to investigate the whole matter in detail and come up with its own analysis of the situation, which will be followed by an evaluation of possible solutions. The Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), whose chairman Alex Wurz has already outlined possible solutions, does not want to be left out either.
Extreme heat, lots of fast corners and the mandatory three pit stops turned the Qatar Grand Prix into hell. The health risk associated with driving in these conditions has apparently exceeded the tolerable level, and ways will be sought to improve it in the future.
“The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile notes with concern that the extreme temperatures and humidity during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix have had an impact on the physical well-being of the drivers,” saw the FIA in its statement after the end of the Qatar GP and further added: “The FIA will take all reasonable steps to establish and communicate the acceptable parameters under which events can take place.”
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) will probably get to speak as well. One of its presidents, Alex Wurzoutlined that it is necessary to look not only at the driving conditions, but also to find solutions for better insulation of cockpits.
“There are a number of factors involved that everyone needs to understand,” he said Würz pre BBC. “The first thing that came to my mind was the experience from the other categories, which also struggled with too much heat as a limiting factor for the riders.”
“Cooled seats, for example, work very well and are not difficult to manufacture or install. Every team should be looking at it now. It is necessary to better isolate and air-cool very hot electrical systems, which are often located near the driver’s seat, or towards the future, redirect the hydraulic lines so that the area around the cockpit does not overheat,” he thinks out loud Würz.
“The rules contain necessary tests and minimum limits for various components. Considering that the pilot also participates in the performance of the single-seater, perhaps the time has come to set the thermal limits to which he can be exposed.” added the former competitor.
Let’s not forget that riders suffer on a fairly regular basis for the sake of performance and safety. An example is the latest generation of fireproof coveralls, which are thicker than the old ones. Würz had the opportunity to test it as a consultant to Toyota for the World Endurance Championship and its breathability is said to be a big problem.
“You will be boiled alive. I recently tried on the new mandatory fireproof suits and was shocked at how hot I was,” he declared Würz. “Obviously there’s a very good reason for their deployment and I don’t mean to suggest that we go back to lower standards, but that’s one of the factors involved.”
Most of the drivers declared after Sunday that it was the hardest race they had ever driven. Even Fernando Alonso said that they were probably among the three hardest ever. The conditions were really extreme and it was probably a mistake for Formula 1 to visit Qatar at such a relatively early time of the year.
“I myself had during my career problems with the heat in the cockpit, as well as some of my colleagues. In the old days it might have been even more difficult, but I don’t think we’ve ever had to face such challenging conditions as in Qatar.” he said Würz.
“I can guarantee you that these drivers are really tough, but the scenes we witnessed after the race were not pretty at all. It is clear that this topic needs to be addressed. We will find out if the solution is left in the hands of the teams or requires a change in the rules. However, when I follow some of the discussions, let’s go into it with a cool head and systematically,” he called Würz.
2023-10-12 10:21:42
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