Formula 1 drivers showed their unhappy with the organization of the Qatar Grand Prix, eighteenth round of the World Cup, ensuring that he was “beyond the limit of what is acceptable”in the words of the British George Russell (Mercedes), and that it was “too dangerous” to fly, as he declared Lando Norris (McLaren).

The Canadian pilot Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) admitted he was missing and lost consciousness due to extreme heat and humidity during Sunday’s 57-lap race at Losail circuit; Additionally, he was seen stumbling on the way to the ambulance moments after getting out of his Aston Martin.

Lance Stroll is coming down the straight and his head is banging left and right. After the race, Stroll said he passed out in the car. In this clip it looks like he wasn’t really 100% conscious. This race was a total disaster considering the number of drivers with health problems. pic.twitter.com/cdN4DtNVoV

– Aston Martin Formula 1 News (@AMF1News) October 8, 2023

Meanwhile, the Thais Alex Albon was treated by acute heat exposure at the track medical center, and its partner at Williams, Logan Sargeant He was forced to Park your car due to illness. The French pilot Esteban Ocon (Alpine) also vomited during the race.

Temperatures in pilot cabins They exceeded 50 degrees in a test which It lasted one hour and 28 minutes. Russell, 25 years old, director of Grand Prix Drivers Association, revealed that he was about to pass out after moving up from last to fourth position following his collision in the first corner with Lewis Hamilton.

Today (Sunday) has exceeded the limit of what is acceptable. More than 50% of those surveyed said they felt unwell, couldn’t drive and were about to pass out.

And the British pilot added:

You don’t want to pass out behind the wheel when you’re going 300 km/h, and that’s how I felt at times. If it had been warmer I would have pulled out because my body was about to give up.

It was only the second edition of the Qatar race and the first of a 10-year contract which, at around $55 million per season, represents one of the most lucrative for Liberty Media, the owners of the Formula 1. Next year’s edition will take place two months later, in dDecember, when it should be colder.

Norris, 23 years old and who finished third, also complained about the conditions.

Today we found the limit and it’s sad to have to find it like this. It’s never nice to be in a situation where people end up in the medical center or pass out. We cannot say that “pilots need to train more”. We are in a closed car and it is very hot.

It is clear that when there are people who end up retiring or in such poor conditions, it is too much. It’s too dangerous. I know next year this race will be later in the season and it will be cooler, but it’s still something that needs to be addressed. I’m sure we’ll talk about it, because it shouldn’t have happened.

(With information from Europe Press)