P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The later date for the Qatar Grand Prix in 2024 is the best way to help drivers avoid similarly challenging conditions after this year’s physical issues. Logan Sargeant retired with severe dehydrat…
Moving the Qatar Grand Prix to a later date in 2024 is the best solution to prevent drivers from facing similar physical challenges as they did this year. Several drivers, including Logan Sargeant, Alex Albon, Lance Stroll, and Esteban Ocon, suffered from severe dehydration and required medical attention during the humid race at Lusail. The FIA is investigating ways to avoid a repeat scenario, and Mercedes’ trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin believes that changing the race date is the simplest option. The high air temperature near body temperature, combined with added humidity, makes it difficult for drivers to cool down. The demanding circuit with high-force cornering and busy turns adds further physical demands. Shifting the race to December, a cooler time of the year, is the most significant step that can be taken to alleviate these challenges.
Source: Racer
