F1 | Scorching heat and exhausted drivers in Qatar: Charles Leclerc calls for reduction of Lusail race laps

F1 | Scorching heat and exhausted drivers in Qatar: Charles Leclerc calls for reduction of Lusail race laps. Charles Leclerc calls for reduction of Lusail race laps amid scorching heat.

The images of exhausted drivers after the race which was held last Sunday at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, in extreme heat and intensity, are certainly a topic of discussion, and one of the protagonists, Charles Leclerc, has offered his perspective following the difficult race.

In his interview for the official F1 feed, the Scuderia Ferrari driver first highlighted the reasons that made this Grand Prix so physically demanding: “I believe that this was by far the toughest race that any of us has ever done in our careers. There are three main reasons: first, the heat; second, the high-speed corners; third, and most importantly, it was a three-stop race, and it was a qualifying lap after qualifying lap, which made it extremely tough for us.” – the Monegasque pointed out at the end of the Qatar Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc then gets to the point and adds: “I think it’s appropriate to reconsider the number of laps for next year because at the end of the race, you can see us resting, sitting down, and looking into each other’s eyes, and it was evident that some drivers were not feeling well at all.” – he continued.

All the fatigue affects the drivers’ concentration, which diminishes over the course of the race. Charles Leclerc then focuses on another consequence: “Moreover, all of this makes the issue of track limits even more challenging. We’re talking about 10… 5 centimeters, and at 320 kilometers per hour, it’s already difficult in qualifying. With dehydration and so many laps in the race, it’s even more challenging. We’re not even particularly tired physically, but the dehydration is terrible. You lose so much water that towards the end of the race, your vision starts to blur, especially at high speeds with the G-forces; even reflexes deteriorate.” – the Ferrari man concluded.