Gerhard Berger and Martin Brundle put F1 drivers’ fainting, vomiting and heatstrokes in poor condition. Among the current drivers, Lewis Hamilton was the same on the lines, team mate George Russell was not.
The F1 race in Qatar has been talked about even in the following race weekend in the USA in Austin. After the hot and humid race in Qatar, several drivers reported health problems. Vomiting, almost fainting, dehydration and heat stroke.
Williams rookie driver Logan Sargeant even had to stop the race after winning so badly.
The drivers demanded action after the race. One day after the race, the International Motor Sports Federation started an investigation into what happened.
However, a couple of former F1 drivers have criticized the drivers and attributed health problems to poor condition.
– This time the boys pushed themselves to the limit, but it’s simply a matter of fitness, having won ten competitions in his career Gerhard Berger stated to Austrian TV.
– If you’re in good shape, it won’t hurt. This is a fitness issue and a blood circulation issue.
Berger drew comparisons to two more stars of today.
– If asked From Max Verstappen or From Lewis Hamiltonthey won’t have any problems at those temperatures, because you have to take these things into account if you want to win.
Former top driver and current F1 pundit for Sky Sports Martin Brundle was also of the opinion that drivers can be made to drive in conditions similar to Qatar.
Lewis Hamilton himself stopped the race in Qatar in the opening lap after crashing his teammate of George Russell with. Hamilton reminded that the Malaysian competition was held in significantly hotter conditions than the current Qatar competition. Hamilton recalled losing four kilos at his worst in Malaysia and struggling to stay upright after the race.
– I think this is an extreme sport. “There are no marathon runners who pass out after a marathon and say the Games should be shorter,” seven-time champion Hamilton said on Sky Sports.
– This is an extreme sport. We are paid very well for what we do. I think I just have to train harder if I don’t feel good after the race.
Acting as the chairman of the F1 drivers’ association George Russell bluntly countered the criticism of the former drivers.
According to Russell, things are different than they were 40 years ago. Due to fire safety, the driving suit feels like fleece, and the cockpit is already hotter than in previous years due to the various electrical devices.
– We are currently running 20 seconds faster laps than those who commented on this issue. In bends, you can feel the forces of five g on all sides, Russell illustrated.
– Of course we have to be gladiators, but when it comes to heat, the body can only take a certain amount.
He did not sign the statement about the poor condition of the drivers.
– I can say that I train a lot for warm conditions. I train before hot races with three layers of clothes on. I take a sauna a lot to get used to the heat, Russell acknowledged.
Sources: Sky Sports, The Race