FIA mandates three 18-lap stints for Qatar GP and failure to abide will lead to disqualification

The 2023 Qatar GP has become a mmighty task since the new FIA mandate.

FIA mandates three 18-lap stints for Qatar GP and failure to abide will lead to disqualification

Mohammed Ben Sulayem(uae), President of the FIA, DOMENICALI Stefano (ita), Chairman and CEO Formula One Group (Credits: Imago)

The 2023 Qatar GP is just a few hours away and ahead of the marquee event, the FIA has dropped a bombshell on all the ten participating teams. Since landing in Qatar, Pirelli has not been confident regarding its tires’ adaptability around the high-degradation Lusail track. In accordance with this, the FIA has announced that all the teams would be required to do three 18-lap stints on their respective tires.

Ahead of yesterday’s Sprint Shootout, a few corners were adjusted to ensure the safety of the drivers, and from that point onward, rumors prevailed about a few more changes taking place for the upcoming race. This is exactly what has happened to ensure the safety of the drivers during the 54-lap Qatar GP. All the teams would be required to do three 18-lap stints, and in case any team failed to abide by it, they would first be shown the black flag, followed by immediate disqualification.

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The Lusail International Circuit is supporting a newly laid tarmac, which has so far proved to be highly abrasive on the tires. Teams were plotting their strategy for the event from yesterday itself, but with the recent mandate by the FIA, all their plans have been thrown out of the window, and now, they have to work round the clock as only a few hours remain for the race.

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The soft tires are not a good tire for the race, as witnessed so far, and the Medium and Hard compounds are being seen as the better options for the 54-lap race. However, considering the different starting positions of the various teams, the upcoming race is going to provide non-stop on-track as well as off-track actions in the pits.

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Qatar GP will be a fascinating watch from the perspectives of the fans

While all the Formula 1 teams would be under immense during the whole course of the 54-lap Qatar GP because of the new 18-lap mandate, the fans will also be on the edge of their seats throughout the race. The current situation is immensely peculiar and has not happened even once so far in the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Qatar GP (Credits: Sky Sports)
Qatar GP (Credits: Sky Sports)

Max Verstappen is starting the race from the pole position, and considering that he wrapped up the world championship yesterday, he and Red Bul would be desperate to close off the Qatar weekend on a strong note. However, it is not going to be easy as, on the one hand, he has got the two Mercedes cars starting around him, and secondly, the new tire mandate has made the situation even tougher.

Considering everything that has been discussed above, the upcoming 54-lap race is going to be a nerve-wracking affair for all the participating teams. Still, from the point of view of the neutral fans, the event will be immensely fascinating. Fans might see a few teams crumbling under pressure during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.

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