During the race in Qatar, many riders suffered from overheating and Logan Sargent had to retire due to ill health. Fernando Alonso believes safety changes following the fire in Romain Grosjean’s car at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix were one of the reasons.
Fernando Alonso: “After Grosjean’s accident, the FIA has tightened the requirements for heat resistance of clothing. But in some cases, for example in Singapore, Miami and Qatar, it is worth making an exception.
A racing suit should provide a high level of safety in case of fire, but it does not evaporate heat at all, does not pass sweat, and this happens for two hours, which does not allow the body to function normally.
The conditions in Qatar on race day were extreme, but no one could have predicted this. On Saturday it was not so warm, but on Sunday both the temperature and humidity suddenly increased.
We have to draw conclusions. The conditions were at the limit of the riders’ physical capabilities. In the WEC series there are sensors in the cockpit that measure the temperature, and if it is two degrees higher than the outside temperature, the FIA orders you to stop. Similar systems should be implemented in Formula 1. There is a limit to everything, and it is clear that we have crossed it in Qatar.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
