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VIDEO- FIA Under Fire as Hamilton and Sainz Suffer Punctures in Qatar GP Debris Chaos

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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VIDEO- FIA Under Fire as Hamilton and Sainz Suffer Punctures in Qatar GP Debris Chaos

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - December 1, 2024 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in action during the race REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix was marred by controversy as the FIA faced criticism for failing to promptly clear dangerous debris from the track, leading to costly punctures for Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz. The bizarre sequence of events added to an already dramatic race, with safety cars and incidents dominating the narrative.


Debris Sparks Chaos: FIA’s Decision Backfires

Midway through the race, a side mirror detached from a car and fell onto the main straight. Despite the clear hazard, the FIA chose not to deploy a safety car to remove the debris immediately, allowing cars to race over the glass for several laps. The situation escalated when Valtteri Bottas drove over the debris, shattering it into smaller, sharper pieces scattered across the track.

The consequences were swift and severe. Both Hamilton and Sainz suffered front-left punctures, forcing them to limp their cars back to the pits. The FIA eventually deployed a safety car, but the delay in action drew widespread criticism from fans, drivers, and commentators.


Hamilton’s Misfortune: “Trust Me to Have This Luck”

Hamilton, who was battling for a top-ten finish, suffered significant damage to the floor of his car as he crawled back to the pits on a deflated tire. Frustrated and disheartened, the seven-time world champion expressed his disappointment over the team radio:
“Trust me to have this luck.”

The puncture cost Hamilton valuable positions and compounded what has been a challenging season for the Mercedes veteran. He ultimately finished well outside the points, marking another low point in an already turbulent campaign.


Sainz’s Resilience: A Partial Recovery

Sainz also fell victim to the debris, but the Spaniard managed to limit the damage. While his front-left tire was destroyed, Sainz kept his composure and recovered some ground after pitting under the eventual safety car. Despite the setback, he managed to finish sixth, salvaging critical points for Ferrari as they battle McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship.


FIA Faces Backlash: Safety Lapses in the Spotlight

The FIA’s delayed response to the debris situation has drawn sharp criticism from across the paddock. The decision not to clear the track immediately allowed a dangerous situation to persist, risking further incidents. Fans and commentators were quick to voice their frustration, accusing the governing body of negligence.

Social media lit up with reactions, with many pointing out that the delayed safety car could have led to even more serious consequences. “Nobody at the helm of the FIA,” one post read, reflecting the public sentiment over the organization’s handling of the incident.


A Weekend of High Drama

The Qatar GP was already filled with action, starting with a three-car collision that brought out an early safety car. The mid-race chaos only added to the drama, with punctures, penalties, and strategy shake-ups defining the event.

Max Verstappen ultimately took a comfortable win, but the focus remained on the FIA’s questionable decisions and the fallout for drivers like Hamilton and Sainz.


Conclusion: FIA Must Address Safety Concerns

The Qatar Grand Prix highlighted the critical importance of swift action in ensuring driver safety. The FIA’s delayed response to on-track debris not only disrupted the race but also put drivers at unnecessary risk. As the 2024 season nears its conclusion, the governing body will face intense scrutiny over its decision-making processes.

For Hamilton and Sainz, the race was a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in Formula 1. While Verstappen celebrated yet another victory, the spotlight remained on the controversies that marred the race.

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