Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell nearly suffered from heatstroke during the Singapore Grand Prix, reveals team boss Toto Wolff. This came to light when the two drivers failed to show up for their media obligations. According to the Austrian, his two drivers are otherwise doing well.
The Grand Prix through the streets of Singapore is one of the most physically demanding races on the F1 calendar. The city-state is known for its high temperatures and high humidity. The race is therefore also run in the evening hours, but even then, it can still be quite hot on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Heatstroke Scare for Hamilton and Russell
Hamilton and Russell found the heat during the race almost too much to bear. Wolff reveals that both drivers nearly suffered a heatstroke, also known as sunstroke. “They were not feeling well, borderline heatstroke or something, but they had water,” says the team boss. “They would not have been able to go to the media. We had the doctors with them. But they are doing well.”
A Difficult Race
Hamilton later responded to the course of his race via a press release from Mercedes. “It’s hard to describe the emotions you feel after such a difficult race,” says the seven-time world champion. “We have lost some form in recent races compared to the leaders and we are working hard to figure out why that is. However, we are doing what we do best and that is coming together as a team, analyzing and reorienting ourselves in the run-up to Austin.”
