Formula 1 drivers have a lot of challenges during racing, making decisions at insane speeds, enormous G-forces acting on the body, and, as happened last weekend to Lewis Hamilton, the British driver of the Mercedes team, dealing with shortness of breath.
The incident happened at the Singapore Grand Prix, where the world's fastest racing circuit reached last weekend, the track is considered one of the most difficult tracks there is. Not only because of the actual route conditions that pass through the narrow streets of the city, but mainly because of the weather conditions prevailing on the island. During the weekend race, the track measured 35 degrees Celsius with 76 percent humidity.
Hamilton. A stressful experience, photo: EPA
These conditions, coupled with the intense heat inside the car, meant that within 15 laps, the decorated British driver began to show obvious signs of shortness of breath and decided to lift the blindfold to get air inside the helmet, something drivers don't usually do for safety reasons.
Despite the unsympathetic experience, the former world champion managed to finish third in the race, overtaking the reigning world champion, and the leader in the drivers' standings Max Verstappen, who finished only fifth. Rounding out the podium picture were Carlos Sainz, who took his Ferrari to first place, and Lando Norris, McLaren's driver, who finished second.
Sainz (right) and Norris. A surprising race, photo: Getty Images
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