P1racenews AI automatic summary:
New cooling vents have been spotted on the new Formula 1 cars in response to the extreme conditions drivers were subject to in Qatar last year.
George Russell acknowledged that the new cooling vent tested by Mercedes during pre-season testing would have had minimal impact during the scorching conditions of last year’s Qatar Grand Prix, where temperatures stayed above 36 degrees Celsius throughout the race. The extreme heat at Lusail International Circuit, along with Pirelli’s restrictions on tire usage, forced drivers to push harder, leading to several needing medical attention post-race, with some withdrawing due to health issues like Logan Sargeant. The FIA approved a new cooling duct closer to the driver for this season after seeing the challenges faced last year, but Russell expressed doubts about its effectiveness given the high temperatures experienced in Qatar. The increased safety measures in race suits have made it even more challenging for drivers to cope with the intense heat, leaving them at a risk of hospitalization at body temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius. While the new cooling vent is a positive development, Russell believes more needs to be done to address the extreme conditions faced by drivers in Formula 1. Stay updated with all the F1 events by keeping track of the 2024 F1 calendar, easily accessible on your smartphone or PC to ensure you don’t miss any of the action.
