Haas F1 hopes to maintain its sixth place in the constructors' championship, after regaining it in Las Vegas thanks to Nico Hülkenberg's eighth place. The German is preparing for a demanding Grand Prix, even if it should be less physical than the 2023 edition. The shock should nevertheless be significant after the cool of Las Vegas.
“Last year Qatar was the first race since returning where I felt it, the heat and humidity were extreme at the end of the race. This season we are racing almost two months later, so the conditions will be better. The route is pleasant, with good fluidity and a good rhythm. Hulkenberg said.
Kevin Magnussen explains that several challenges are added to that of the track itself: “Qatar is probably the toughest race of the year. It's a very high-speed race, very unique in the sense that it's more like a motorcycle circuit than a Formula 1 circuit.”
“There is a very particular fluidity, you never really brake in a straight line, you rather navigate. It's the last sprint of the year, so it's always another thing to think about, and the change time zone is going to be a challenge.”
“Last year it was the opposite, we went from Qatar to America, and honestly, it's difficult to navigate because it's quite difficult to adapt, you can't finding a solution, it just takes time, so we’re going to be jet lagged!”
Martin Poole, Hülkenberg's performance coach, details what drivers need to do to prepare and withstand the heat. Last year, a large number of them felt unwell: “Qatar is one of the most physically demanding circuits.”
“The ambient temperature is very high, as we saw last year, but as we come back a few weeks later we hope it will be a little cooler. It will still be a big physical challenge for the drivers; it's physical anyway, but with the heat, it's very difficult.”
“It will be very important to stay well hydrated and we will use all the cooling methods we have available, such as the traditional ice bath, ice towels, making sure he drinks plenty of cold drinks and staying indoors. shelter from the heat whenever possible.”
“Going from Vegas to Qatar in terms of timing will be difficult, there's no easy way to do it, so we'll do our best to get into a good sleeping pattern as soon as we get to Qatar. Nico is pretty good to sleep well and find time in the day to take a nap if he needs one, so I'm sure we'll get there.”
