FIA is looking into calendar changes and other measures after drivers felt nauseous, nearly fainted and puked during the Qatar Grand Prix over the weekend. Drivers needed medical attention after the race as temperatures in excess of 30C and high humidity made the competition tough.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement released on Monday (Oct 9), the governing body of Formula 1 said drivers should not be subjected to such conditions.&nbsp;

"While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardise their health or safety," read the statement.&nbsp;

"The FIA has begun an analysis into the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future situations of extreme weather conditions," added the governing body.

FIA added that although Qatar GP was scheduled to take place later in the&nbsp;year in 2024 when temperatures are lower, it was looking to take&nbsp;"material action now to avoid a repeat of this scenario".&nbsp;

"A number of measures will be discussed at the upcoming medical commission meeting in Paris. 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," it added.&nbsp;

FIA is expected to study other motor sporting series' such as&nbsp;cross-country events in extreme climates and apply the learnings to F1&nbsp;circuit events.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fia-boss-says-f1-should-have-more-teams-but-fewer-races-644604">Also read |&nbsp;FIA boss says F1 should have more teams but fewer races</a>

<h2 data-reactid=".24pp6mj1mto.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7">Drivers lament their pain&nbsp;</h2>

Notably, after the race, Aston Martin&nbsp;driver Lance Stroll said he faded in and out of&nbsp;consciousness because of the extreme heat. A video going viral on social media showed Stroll swaying to and fro while driving - suggesting he had momentarily lost consciousness.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Alex Albon was treated for acute heat exposure at one of the on-track medical centres. his rookie teammate Logan Sargeant was also forced to park his car through illness as Alpine's Esteban Ocon vomited during the race.&nbsp;

Mercedes driver, George Russell, who was involved in an accident with his teammate revealed that he also came close to blacking out after driving back from last to fourth. His British counterpart Lando Norris described the race as "too dangerous".&nbsp;

With tough racing conditions taking a toll on the drivers, teams have been demanding that the FIA reduce the number of races in a year. However, owing to the growing popularity of F1,&nbsp;the total number of races will increase to&nbsp;24 beginning next year, with the Chinese Grand Prix making a comeback.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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FIA is looking into calendar changes and other measures after drivers felt nauseous, nearly fainted and puked during the Qatar Grand Prix over the weekend. Drivers needed medical attention after the race as temperatures in excess of 30C and high humidity made the competition tough.

FIA is looking into calendar changes and other measures after drivers felt nauseous, nearly fainted and puked during the Qatar Grand Prix over the weekend. Drivers needed medical attention after the race as temperatures in excess of 30C and high humidity made the competition tough. In a statement released on Monday (Oct 9), the governing body of Formula 1 said drivers should not be subjected to such conditions. "While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardise their health or safety," read the statement. "The FIA has begun an analysis into the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future situations of extreme weather conditions," added the governing body. FIA added that although Qatar GP was scheduled to take place later in the year in 2024 when temperatures are lower, it was looking to take "material action now to avoid a repeat of this scenario". "A number of measures will be discussed at the upcoming medical commission meeting in Paris. 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," it added. FIA is expected to study other motor sporting series' such as cross-country events in extreme climates and apply the learnings to F1 circuit events. Also read | FIA boss says F1 should have more teams but fewer races Drivers lament their pain Notably, after the race, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll said he faded in and out of consciousness because of the extreme heat. A video going viral on social media showed Stroll swaying to and fro while driving - suggesting he had momentarily lost consciousness. Meanwhile, Alex Albon was treated for acute heat exposure at one of the on-track medical centres. his rookie teammate Logan Sargeant was also forced to park his car through illness as Alpine's Esteban Ocon vomited during the race. Mercedes driver, George Russell, who was involved in an accident with his teammate revealed that he also came close to blacking out after driving back from last to fourth. His British counterpart Lando Norris described the race as "too dangerous". With tough racing conditions taking a toll on the drivers, teams have been demanding that the FIA reduce the number of races in a year. However, owing to the growing popularity of F1, the total number of races will increase to 24 beginning next year, with the Chinese Grand Prix making a comeback. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

FIA to look at F1 calendar changes after drivers puke, faint at Qatar Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz was ruled out of starting Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix for Ferrari after suffering a fuel-system problem on his car.&nbsp;

The Italian team confirmed his absence from the grid in a statement that followed a frantic effort by his mechanics, on the grid, before the race.

In the end, the team decided with barely an hour to go that his SF-23 would not be ready in time to occupy his disappointing 12th spot on the grid for the race.

The statement said: "Due to a fuel system issue on his car, Carlos will not take part in the Qatar GP."

Sainz claimed victory for Ferrari at the Singapore Grand Prix last month, ending a 10-race winning streak for world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-sergio-perez-alleges-nationality-bias-points-to-russells-crash-at-singapore-gp-642525">Also read |&nbsp;F1: Sergio Perez alleges nationality bias; points to Russell's crash at Singapore GP</a>

His Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc will carry their hopes from fifth on the grid.

Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez will start the race from the pit lane due to car changes following his crash with Alpine's Esteban Ocon in Saturday's sprint race.

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Carlos Sainz was ruled out of starting Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix for Ferrari after suffering a fuel-system problem on his car. The Italian team confirmed his absence from the grid in a statement that followed a frantic effort by his mechanics, on the grid, before the race.

Carlos Sainz was ruled out of starting Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix for Ferrari after suffering a fuel-system problem on his car. The Italian team confirmed his absence from the grid in a statement that followed a frantic effort by his mechanics, on the grid, before the race. In the end, the team decided with barely an hour to go that his SF-23 would not be ready in time to occupy his disappointing 12th spot on the grid for the race. The statement said: "Due to a fuel system issue on his car, Carlos will not take part in the Qatar GP." Sainz claimed victory for Ferrari at the Singapore Grand Prix last month, ending a 10-race winning streak for world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull. Also read | F1: Sergio Perez alleges nationality bias; points to Russell's crash at Singapore GP His Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc will carry their hopes from fifth on the grid. Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez will start the race from the pit lane due to car changes following his crash with Alpine's Esteban Ocon in Saturday's sprint race. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Unfortunate Carlos Sainz sits out Qatar Grand Prix due to fuel problems

Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;won Sunday's inaugural Qatar Grand Prix with a commanding performance from pole to cut Max Verstappen's world championship lead to eight points.

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Back-to-back wins for <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LewisHamilton</a> as he takes victory in Qatar 👀🎧 
 
And cuts Max Verstappen's championship lead to eight points with two races left to go! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarGP</a> 🇶🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/9xOMl0m2kx">pic.twitter.com/9xOMl0m2kx</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1462450285159325700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Mercedes seven-time champion comfortably held off his arch Dutch rival's Red Bull under the Losail circuit's lights to leave the battle for the F1 drivers' crown delicately poised with only two races remaining.

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UPDATED DRIVER STANDINGS 👀 
 
Two races to go 
 
Eight points in it 
 
An F1 title race for the ages <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarGP</a> 🇶🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/hoUdjtI4qm">pic.twitter.com/hoUdjtI4qm</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1462456276810715137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Fernando Alonso took third for Alpine, the former two-time world champion's first podium since 2014.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/max-verstappen-given-five-place-grid-penalty-for-qatar-grand-prix-431011">Max Verstappen given five-place grid penalty for Qatar Grand Prix</a>

One week on from arguably his toughest and greatest win in Brazil,&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;enjoyed one of his easiest.

And after an unprecedented eighth world title appeared to be slipping from his grasp after Verstappen's wins in the USA and Mexico, it is the 36-year-old Briton rather than the 12-year-younger pretender who has the momentum.

"We needed those points today. I can't wait to watch the race replay to find out what happened behind me," he said after his 102nd career win.

"I'm really grateful for these points, it's been a hell of a year. Back-to-back wins here, feel good, I feel fit, fitter than I've ever felt. Bring on the next two!"

Verstappen, who was demoted from second to seventh on the grid for a yellow flag infringement in qualifying on Saturday, took second, and picked up a point for the fastest lap.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/peng-shuai-world-seeks-answers-as-chinese-tennis-player-goes-missing-heres-is-what-we-know-so-far-430863">Peng Shuai: World seeks answers as Chinese tennis player goes 'missing'; Here's is what we know so far</a>

"Our starting position was compromised, but luckily we had a really good start," he said.

"Of course, I know it's going to be difficult to the end but it keeps it nice, keeps it exciting. This track was fun to drive as well.&nbsp;I feel good, but it's going to be a tight battle to the end."

Hamilton's faster engine, fitted last weekend in Sao Paulo, will give Red Bull a likely tough time again at the ultra quick new circuit in Saudi Arabia in a fortnight's time ahead of the season-closing race in Abu Dhabi in mid-December.

Lewis Hamilton won Sunday's inaugural Qatar Grand Prix with a commanding performance from pole to cut Max Verstappen's world championship lead to eight points. Back-to-back wins for @LewisHamilton as he takes victory in Qatar 👀🎧 And cuts Max Verstappen's championship lead to eight points with two races left to go!

Lewis Hamilton won Sunday's inaugural Qatar Grand Prix with a commanding performance from pole to cut Max Verstappen's world championship lead to eight points. Back-to-back wins for @LewisHamilton as he takes victory in Qatar 👀🎧 And cuts Max Verstappen's championship lead to eight points with two races left to go! 🏆#QatarGP 🇶🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/9xOMl0m2kx — Formula 1 (@F1) November 21, 2021 × The Mercedes seven-time champion comfortably held off his arch Dutch rival's Red Bull under the Losail circuit's lights to leave the battle for the F1 drivers' crown delicately poised with only two races remaining. UPDATED DRIVER STANDINGS 👀 Two races to go Eight points in it An F1 title race for the ages #QatarGP 🇶🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/hoUdjtI4qm — Formula 1 (@F1) November 21, 2021 × Fernando Alonso took third for Alpine, the former two-time world champion's first podium since 2014. ALSO READ: Max Verstappen given five-place grid penalty for Qatar Grand Prix One week on from arguably his toughest and greatest win in Brazil, Hamilton enjoyed one of his easiest. And after an unprecedented eighth world title appeared to be slipping from his grasp after Verstappen's wins in the USA and Mexico, it is the 36-year-old Briton rather than the 12-year-younger pretender who has the momentum. "We needed those points today. I can't wait to watch the race replay to find out what happened behind me," he said after his 102nd career win. "I'm really grateful for these points, it's been a hell of a year. Back-to-back wins here, feel good, I feel fit, fitter than I've ever felt. Bring on the next two!" Verstappen, who was demoted from second to seventh on the grid for a yellow flag infringement in qualifying on Saturday, took second, and picked up a point for the fastest lap. IN PICS: Peng Shuai: World seeks answers as Chinese tennis player goes 'missing'; Here's is what we know so far "Our starting position was compromised, but luckily we had a really good start," he said. "Of course, I know it's going to be difficult to the end but it keeps it nice, keeps it exciting. This track was fun to drive as well. I feel good, but it's going to be a tight battle to the end." Hamilton's faster engine, fitted last weekend in Sao Paulo, will give Red Bull a likely tough time again at the ultra quick new circuit in Saudi Arabia in a fortnight's time ahead of the season-closing race in Abu Dhabi in mid-December.

Lewis Hamilton wins Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen second

Max&nbsp;Verstappen&nbsp;has been handed a five-place grid penalty for Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix and will start the race from seventh, with his Formula One world title rival Lewis Hamilton on pole position.

The Dutchman, who leads Hamilton by 14 points in the standings with three races remaining in the season, has been penalised for "not respecting" double waved yellow flags during qualifying.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-on-pole-in-qatar-with-max-verstappen-second-430820">Lewis Hamilton on pole in Qatar with Max Verstappen second</a>

Verstappen&nbsp;had qualified in second originally, but will be replaced on the front row by Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly.

Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was also slapped with a three-place grid penalty and will start from sixth.

The Finn was penalised for "not slowing down" under yellow flags during Saturday's third qualifying session, which Hamilton dominated.

The news is a major blow to&nbsp;Verstappen's hopes of a maiden world championship crown and gives Hamilton a boost in his bid for a record-breaking eighth title.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/peng-shuai-world-seeks-answers-as-chinese-tennis-player-goes-missing-heres-is-what-we-know-so-far-430863">Peng Shuai: World seeks answers as Chinese tennis player goes 'missing'; Here's is what we know so far</a>

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has been promoted from fifth to third on the grid, with McLaren's Lando Norris joining the veteran Spaniard on the second row.

Max Verstappen has been handed a five-place grid penalty for Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix and will start the race from seventh, with his Formula One world title rival Lewis Hamilton on pole position.

Max Verstappen has been handed a five-place grid penalty for Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix and will start the race from seventh, with his Formula One world title rival Lewis Hamilton on pole position. The Dutchman, who leads Hamilton by 14 points in the standings with three races remaining in the season, has been penalised for "not respecting" double waved yellow flags during qualifying. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton on pole in Qatar with Max Verstappen second Verstappen had qualified in second originally, but will be replaced on the front row by Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly. Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was also slapped with a three-place grid penalty and will start from sixth. The Finn was penalised for "not slowing down" under yellow flags during Saturday's third qualifying session, which Hamilton dominated. The news is a major blow to Verstappen's hopes of a maiden world championship crown and gives Hamilton a boost in his bid for a record-breaking eighth title. IN PICS: Peng Shuai: World seeks answers as Chinese tennis player goes 'missing'; Here's is what we know so far Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has been promoted from fifth to third on the grid, with McLaren's Lando Norris joining the veteran Spaniard on the second row.

Max Verstappen given five-place grid penalty for Qatar Grand Prix

Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton put his Mercedes on pole position for the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix with a stunning display of dominance under the floodlights on Saturday.

Red Bull's championship leader Max Verstappen, 14 points clear of his British rival with three races remaining, will line up alongside on Sunday night but qualified nearly half a second slower.

Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas, fastest in practice, ended up third.

"That last lap was beautiful, it was a really sweet lap," said Hamilton, who won last weekend in Brazil after starting 10th on the grid.

The defending champion was first out of the pits for the final flying effort and set an eye-opening time of one minute 20.827 seconds for his 102nd career pole and fourth of the season.

The 36-year-old had already been on provisional pole with a time of 1:21.262 after going fastest in the first and second phases of qualifying and also being quickest in every sector of the track.

The margin of 0.455 between the two title contenders was the biggest it had been all season in a qualifying session in dry conditions.

Hamilton said he had not been feeling well on Thursday and Friday, when he was also up until midnight working with his engineers.

"I had a bit of a stomach ache from Wednesday but felt fantastic today. I slept well last night so that makes a big difference," he said.

LACKING PACE

Verstappen, whose team have openly questioned the legality of Hamilton's rear wing and voiced concern about the Mercedes' impressive straight line speed, said his car was just lacking some pace.

"It's been just a bit more tricky for us again in qualifying," said the Dutch 24-year-old, whose Mexican team mate Sergio Perez qualified only 11th in a strategic setback for Red Bull.

"Checo (Perez) is not even in Q3 (the final phase) so it definitely shows we are struggling a bit more than normal. But nevertheless it's still second, so it's all to play for. I wish we could have fought for more."

Pierre Gasly was fourth despite breaking his front wing on the kerbs and suffering a puncture, shedding debris and bringing out the yellow flags briefly on his final lap as he came to a halt.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso qualified fifth for Renault-owned Alpine, with McLaren's Lando Norris sixth and Carlos Sainz seventh for Ferrari.

"I think there are certain circuits that seem to be better for our package and this is one of those," said Alonso, whose team are level on points with AlphaTauri but ahead thanks to a race win.

"Being at night, I know it should be no big difference but the track is quite cool at night and that helps a lot with the overheating of the tyres," added the Spaniard.

"You feel the grip, you feel you can drive the car, you don't need to save the tyres in any of the corners and that's a good feeling for a driver."

AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda, Alpine's Esteban Ocon and Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel completed the top 10.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo start 13th and 14th respectively with their teams battling for third overall.

Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton put his Mercedes on pole position for the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix with a stunning display of dominance under the floodlights on Saturday.

Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton put his Mercedes on pole position for the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix with a stunning display of dominance under the floodlights on Saturday. Red Bull's championship leader Max Verstappen, 14 points clear of his British rival with three races remaining, will line up alongside on Sunday night but qualified nearly half a second slower. Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas, fastest in practice, ended up third. "That last lap was beautiful, it was a really sweet lap," said Hamilton, who won last weekend in Brazil after starting 10th on the grid. The defending champion was first out of the pits for the final flying effort and set an eye-opening time of one minute 20.827 seconds for his 102nd career pole and fourth of the season. The 36-year-old had already been on provisional pole with a time of 1:21.262 after going fastest in the first and second phases of qualifying and also being quickest in every sector of the track. The margin of 0.455 between the two title contenders was the biggest it had been all season in a qualifying session in dry conditions. Hamilton said he had not been feeling well on Thursday and Friday, when he was also up until midnight working with his engineers. "I had a bit of a stomach ache from Wednesday but felt fantastic today. I slept well last night so that makes a big difference," he said. LACKING PACE Verstappen, whose team have openly questioned the legality of Hamilton's rear wing and voiced concern about the Mercedes' impressive straight line speed, said his car was just lacking some pace. "It's been just a bit more tricky for us again in qualifying," said the Dutch 24-year-old, whose Mexican team mate Sergio Perez qualified only 11th in a strategic setback for Red Bull. "Checo (Perez) is not even in Q3 (the final phase) so it definitely shows we are struggling a bit more than normal. But nevertheless it's still second, so it's all to play for. I wish we could have fought for more." Pierre Gasly was fourth despite breaking his front wing on the kerbs and suffering a puncture, shedding debris and bringing out the yellow flags briefly on his final lap as he came to a halt. Double world champion Fernando Alonso qualified fifth for Renault-owned Alpine, with McLaren's Lando Norris sixth and Carlos Sainz seventh for Ferrari. "I think there are certain circuits that seem to be better for our package and this is one of those," said Alonso, whose team are level on points with AlphaTauri but ahead thanks to a race win. "Being at night, I know it should be no big difference but the track is quite cool at night and that helps a lot with the overheating of the tyres," added the Spaniard. "You feel the grip, you feel you can drive the car, you don't need to save the tyres in any of the corners and that's a good feeling for a driver." AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda, Alpine's Esteban Ocon and Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel completed the top 10. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo start 13th and 14th respectively with their teams battling for third overall.

Lewis Hamilton on pole in Qatar with Max Verstappen second

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FIA to look at F1 calendar changes after drivers puke, faint at Qatar Grand Prix

Unfortunate Carlos Sainz sits out Qatar Grand Prix due to fuel problems

Lewis Hamilton wins Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen second

Max Verstappen given five-place grid penalty for Qatar Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton on pole in Qatar with Max Verstappen second