Status: 09.10.2023, 07:05 a.m.
By: Lena Hempler
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The Formula 1 race in Doha (08.10) was the most strenuous of many drivers' careers. Some drivers have even fainted. What happened?
Doha – Max Verstappen took his 14th win of the season and his third world title in Formula 1 in Qatar. For other riders, however, the race didn't end quite so nicely.
| Qatar Grand Prix | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5.38 km |
| Race Length: | 306.66 km in 57 laps |
| Lap record: | 1:23.196 (2021, Max Verstappen, Red Bull) |
| in the race calendar: | since 2021 |
Formula 1 in Doha: Verstappen wins for the first time as three-time world champion
For Verstappen, the victory in Qatar is the first, as a newly crowned three-time world champion. However, the two McLarens were hot on his heels this time. Oscar Piastri in P2 was separated from the winner by only 4.8 seconds – in the previous races it was sometimes around 20 seconds. "The McLarens were fast. I then also had to push and it was a really exhausting race," Verstappen said after the Grand Prix.
The race was not only exhausting for him. It was very hot in Qatar at the weekend. Even on Sunday evening, it was still 38 degrees Celsius in Doha. These conditions made the already exhausting race a horror trip for some riders. Oscar Piastri also stated in the interview: "It was an impressive race, but really the most exhausting thing I've had in my career so far!"
Max Verstappen celebrates his 14th win of the season in Qatar. © IMAGO/Andy Hone / LAT Images
Qatar Grand Prix: George Russell almost fainted
Many riders agree with Piastri. George Russell also said after the race that he thought he was going to pass out around lap twelve. And Russell regularly trains in the sauna so that he can ride even in such conditions. Logan Sargeant was so unwell that he was unable to finish the race.
After 41 laps, Williams' pit radio was shown, with Sargeant's engineer making it clear to him that his health was the most important thing. Although the team explained that the American had flu-like symptoms a few days earlier, he was completely dehydrated when he got out of the car and had to be supported by his team and undergo a medical examination. Things could have gone better for Esteban Ocon as well. On lap 15, the Frenchman vomited twice, but still finished his race.
Oscar Piastri also had to sit down directly after the race in Qatar. © IMAGO/ Zak Mauger / LAT Images
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Formula 1 in Doha: some drivers had to seek medical attention
Alex Albon and Lance Stroll are even said to have sought medical treatment after the race. Stroll had to stop several times on the way there and regain his balance. Albon almost couldn't get out of his car and had to go to the medical center because of a heat stroke. Lando Norris explained at the post-race press conference that even some riders in the medical centre had fainted and that there had to be a discussion about whether the track in Qatar was really drivable under such conditions.
Fans on the Internet were also dismayed by today's race. Some felt that the FIA should not have cleared the race in the first place. After all, due to the dehydration in the car, the drivers could have fainted and crashed. The last word has certainly not yet been spoken in this case. Fortunately, the riders now have time to recover from Doha. The next race will take place on October 22 in Austin, Texas. (lhe)