P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Stroll using Qatar conditions as ‘excuse’ for penalties – Rosberg
During the Qatar Grand Prix, there were 53 track limit infringements and subsequent penalties handed out by the stewards. Pirelli discovered micro cuts on the tires, leading to the FIA narrowing the track width at Turns 12 and 13 to prevent further damage. Despite the track changes, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll received multiple five-second time penalties and dropped from ninth to 11th place, which he criticized as unfair given the altered track limits and extreme humidity. Nico Rosberg, however, disagreed, noting that many drivers managed to navigate the race without penalties and that Stroll’s struggles could not solely be attributed to the conditions. Several drivers, including the two Williams drivers and Esteban Ocon, faced physical difficulties, with Ocon even vomiting during the race. Following these challenges, the FIA plans to implement measures to avoid a recurrence of such extreme conditions in Formula 1 races. Rosberg also revealed that he had participated in a test simulating similar temperatures, which had deemed it too risky for a driver’s health.
Source: Motorsport Week
