Last Updated on September 23 2024, 11:37 am

Lewis Hamilton treated for ‘borderline heatstroke’ after gruelling Singapore Grand Prix as both Formula 1 Mercedes drivers Hamilton and Russell battle extreme heat conditions – Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes teammate George Russell were reportedly treated for ‘borderline heatstroke’ after their gruelling performances at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Team Principal Toto Wolff revealed that both drivers were unwell after the race, with the extreme heat and humidity of the Marina Bay Street Circuit proving a formidable challenge for the duo.

The Singapore Grand Prix is notorious for being one of the most physically demanding races on the Formula One calendar. With cockpit temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), drivers lose a significant amount of body weight in the form of fluids, sometimes as much as four kilos during the race.

Sunday’s event was no exception, pushing both Hamilton and Russell to their physical limits.

 

 

 

 

Brutal heat takes its toll

After the race, it was clear that the searing temperatures had taken their toll on both Mercedes drivers. Neither Hamilton nor Russell were able to take part in the usual post-race media duties, raising concerns for their well-being. Mercedes were quick to address the situation, releasing a statement confirming that both drivers were recovering from the effects of the intense conditions.

“Unfortunately, neither George nor Lewis will be attending the media pen this evening as they recover from the exertions of the race,” the team said in a brief statement.

Later, Toto Wolff elaborated on their condition, explaining that both drivers were suffering from what he described as “borderline heatstroke”.

“They were not feeling well, borderline heatstroke or something like that, but they drank water,” Wolff clarified, adding that medical attention was provided immediately.

“They would not have been able to go into the media pen. There was no bad feeling or anger. It was just that the doctors were with them. But they are all fine,” added Wolff, seeking to reassure fans and the media.

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Russell staggers after race

Wolff’s comments were underlined by post-race footage that surfaced online showing George Russell struggling to get out of his car. In the video, the 26-year-old driver appeared visibly dehydrated and unsteady as he made his way through the Parc Fermé.

His exhaustion was obvious and served as a stark reminder of the extreme physical and mental challenges drivers face, especially in Singapore’s unforgiving climate.

Although the Mercedes drivers had prepared for the intense conditions, the combination of prolonged high-speed racing and the brutal heat had clearly pushed them to their limits. It was clear that the demands of the Singapore GP had taken a toll on both their bodies and their performance.

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A frustrating weekend for Mercedes

The extreme physical strain added to an already difficult weekend for Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton, who had started the race from a promising third place on the grid, finished the Grand Prix disappointed after slipping down the order. A combination of poor race strategy and a lacklustre car performance saw him fall behind Oscar Piastri, George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to take the chequered flag in sixth place.

After the race, Hamilton received an apology from Wolff over the team radio.

“Yes, Lewis, sorry,” said Wolff. “We gave you a car that just wasn’t good enough here and obviously we read the race wrong, but it wouldn’t have made a difference. We were just slow today.”

For George Russell, the race brought a slightly better result. Starting from sixth position, he managed to hold his ground and finish in the same place. However, he was still over a minute behind eventual race winner Lando Norris, a gap that highlights the ongoing struggles of the Silver Arrows.

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Future challenges for Mercedes

The gap to McLaren and the other frontrunners in Singapore raises significant questions for Mercedes as they look ahead to the 2025 season. Once favourites for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, Mercedes now face an uphill battle to return to their dominant form. Despite winning three Grand Prix at the start of the season, their recent performances have seen them drop down the standings.

Toto Wolff remains optimistic, but the team have admitted that they need to make significant improvements if they are to consistently challenge the likes of Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari next season.

The heat of Singapore may have exacerbated their difficulties, but it also highlighted the performance gaps that need to be addressed.

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Looking ahead: Physical and mechanical recovery

The immediate focus, however, remains on the wellbeing of the riders. The extreme conditions of the Singapore GP serve as a reminder of the physical risks drivers face on race day. Despite advances in Formula One safety and fitness technology, the sport still demands extraordinary endurance, as Hamilton and Russell’s struggles in Singapore demonstrated.

With races still to come, both drivers will need to recover quickly, not only from the physical toll of this weekend, but also to recalibrate mentally as the championship progresses. Mercedes, meanwhile, will need to take stock of their performance as they seek both car improvements and better strategies to remain competitive for the rest of the season and beyond.

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MORE F1 NEWS: Red Bull accused of a “lack of respect”

Red Bull Racing have proven to be a laser sharp Formula One team when it comes to winning races and championships unlike McLaren who have gifted Max Verstappen ten points this season by falling to prioritise Lando Norris in his chase down of the world champion drivers’ lead this year.

In their nineteen year history Red Bull have ditched more drivers mid-season than any other team since 2005. Daniel Kvyat was bumped down from his race seat alongside Max Verstappen as Alex Albon was promoted during the 2019 season.

Nyck de Vries suffered a similar fate in 2023 when after just ten races in the V-CARB team he was replaced by Ricciardo for the remainder of the season. Now it appears Ricciardo too is set to be ditched from V-CARB with six race weekends remaining in the 2024 competition…READ MORE ON THIS STORY