Qatar Grand Prix

Fiona Mansell

The Qatar Grand Prix has quickly become a controversial topic of conversation among Formula 1 fans, following new rules with tires, track limits, driver outbursts and concern over driver safety.

Let’s unpack the three main things that went wrong that weekend.

Concern Over Driver Safety

Some drivers were left needing medical attention after racing in 30C temperatures and high humidity, sparking concerns around their safety.

Williams Racing posted that Alex Albon was treated for acute heat exposure and Logan Sargeant retired due to feeling unwell. It is reported that the rookie driver was experiencing heat stroke and dehydration.

Esteban Ocon admitted to vomiting in his helmet. In his interview with the F1 news team, he said: “I felt ill by lap 15/16. I was throwing up in the car but I have managed to calm down afterwards.”

Even Fernando Alonso, an experienced driver with over 18 seasons in F1, called the conditions “extreme for everybody.” During the race, he was heard asking through his team radio for something to cool his seat, as it was burning him.

“It was an absolutely brutal race, by far the most physical I have ever experienced.”

Mercedes driver George Russell said that he was close to passing out: “It was an absolutely brutal race, by far the most physical I have ever experienced. I felt close to fainting.” He also expressed concern that the conditions were putting drivers’ lives at risk.

The FIA has announced an investigation over the extreme heat in the cockpit of the F1 cars. This was only the second race in Qatar, but the first of a 10-year deal. The next race in Qatar is planned for December, with many hoping this will mean a cooler and safer race.

Last Minute Tyre Rules

Due to concerns that the pyramid-shaped kerbs used at the Qatar Grand Prix could become damaged and result in accidents, the FIA announced that tyres can only be used for 18 laps the night before the race.

However, this last-minute decision forced teams to do a minimum of a 3-stop race, meaning an unexpected change in strategy for many of the teams.

Lance Stroll Outburst

After only qualifying 17th, Lance Stroll was witnessed having an outburst in the Aston Martin garage.

The 24-year-old driver threw his steering wheel and shoved his trainer, Henry Howe. He then gave an interview totalling six words, in which he used strong language.

The FIA have issued him with a written warning and has since announced that Stroll has apologised for his behaviour.

Track Limit “Festival”

Fred Vasseur, Ferrari F1 team principal, claimed the Qatar Grand Prix turned into a “festival” of track limits and has urged the FIA to act. The Frenchman argued this was the biggest challenge of the weekend. During qualifying, multiple drivers had track times deleted. This included Lando Norris, who ended up starting 10th.

Multiple drivers were then given 5-second penalties due to track limits. Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez both incurred penalties adding up to 15 seconds. Stroll complained about the painted track limits that were hard to see and caused frustration.

He stated in an interview with the F1 news team: “I mean I do not even care it was so hard. I mean track limits cause they painted the kerbs you can not see the track. You are so dizzy, its dark. You are fighting with low blood pressure and just passing out in the car. For getting track limit penalties’ is kind of a joke.”

 

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has warned that venues such as Qatar could drop from the Formula 1 schedule if a solution to track limit breaches is not found.

Mercedes Crash

Having both drivers crash into each other during a race is every Formula 1 team’s biggest fear, but it is even worse when the crash could have been avoided.

Lewis Hamilton attempted to sweep around the outside of Russell and Max Verstappen at Turn 1. But the Mercedes duo ended up making wheel-to-wheel contact that sent Hamilton spinning off into the gravel and out of the race. Russell was able to pit but dropped to the very back of the field.

“I have been taken out by my own teammate.”

Further controversy arose when Hamilton said: “I have been taken out by my own teammate.” Commentators and spectators argued there was nothing Russell could have done after being sandwiched between Verstappen and Hamilton, and that Hamilton was the one at fault.

Hamilton later apologised to Russell and admitted that he was at fault, with the team posting a video of them embracing.

Are fans right to sense tension building between the drivers in the Mercedes garage?

The Future of the Qatar Grand Prix

The Qatar Grand Prix saw chaos both on and off the track. Many drivers and their teams left feeling unhappy and concerns surrounding safety have been raised.

It leaves us to question what the future holds for Qatar. What will be done to improve this race in the future to make it safer and more enjoyable for drivers, teams and their fans?

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Featured image courtesy of Sari Fayomie on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.

Fiona is now undergoing a master's degree in 'Visual Journalism' in Cardiff after recently graduating with first-class honours in 'Performance and Media.' Most of her writing focuses on her passion for motorsport.

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