The latter part of the 2024 calendar was “particularly difficult” for traveling team personnel, according to Esteban Ocon.
Haas F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg was absent from the Qatar paddock during the 'media day' on Thursday because he has a cold.
World champion Max Verstappen predicted the long journey from Las Vegas to Qatar would expose F1 staff to illness.
“At the end of the season, when you're already a little tired, you also get sick a little more easily. The many long flights don't help that. I said it in Vegas and there we see it in the paddock a lot of people tired, cold, broken.”
Ocon admits that the busy schedule is always easier for the pilots, who travel and are accommodated in five-star hotels.
"I'm almost acclimated after Vegas," said the Frenchman on Thursday.
“But not everyone on the team feels the same way. I flew with the team from Las Vegas and tried to help some guys wake up at the right time, but that didn't always work. People are very tired.”
“Some slept for 15 hours, which didn't help acclimatize here. These three Grand Prix at the end of the season were particularly difficult,” added Ocon, referring to the Las Vegas – Qatar – Abu Dhabi triple.
“I hope few people in the paddock get sick. That's the most important thing. We have to stay healthy and focused until the end of the season.”
