FIA to look at F1 calendar changes after Qatar GP 'extreme weather'

The FIA says it will look into calendar changes and introduce measures to protect Formula One drivers from the sort of extreme heat and humidity they suffered during Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix, it said on Monday.

Disturbing images from Lusail showed several drivers on the verge of collapse and looking severely dehydrated after the chequered flag.

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon said he had vomited in his helmet while Williams' rookie driver Logan Sargeant was unable to finish the race after falling ill. The American's teammate, Alex Albon, was also taken to the medical centre and treated for acute heat exposure.

The International Automobile Federation said in a statement it had "begun an analysis into the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future situations of extreme weather conditions.

"Measures may include guidance for competitors, research into modifications for more efficient airflow in the cockpit, and recommendations for changes to the calendar to align with acceptable climatic conditions, amongst others.

"Research from other series, such as cross-country events in extreme climates, will be examined for potential applications to circuit events."

The FIA said measures would be discussed at a meeting of its medical commission in Paris.

The track temperature during the night race at the Lusail International Circuit, where Red Bull's Max Verstappen claimed a third world title, never dropped below 36º Celsius, while daytime temperatures exceeded 40º.

Mercedes driver George Russell described the extreme heat as "brutal" and said he "felt close to fainting".

The track temperature during the night race at the Lusail International Circuit never dropped below 36º Celsius, while daytime temperatures exceeded 40º.