Search
shop

F1 pundit compares drivers to triathlon’s Brownlee brothers as Qatar GP controversy rages

F1 meets triathlon after an extreme Qatar Grand Prix
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

The debate coming out of Sunday’s F1 Qatar Grand Prix has caused quite the storm on social media, and even triathlon got a callout on Tuesday.

Arguments raged in the hours following the race due to the extreme conditions drivers were forced to contend with in Losail. And those arguments were still racing on Tuesday.

In the aftermath of an event which played out in brutal heat, Alpine driver Esteban Ocon revealed he threw up during the race while McLaren star Lando Norris called the race conditions “too dangerous”.

Williams star Logan Sargeant meanwhile retired due to feeling “sick” while his team-mate Alex Albon headed to the medical centre and didn’t attend the post-race media activities. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll nearly fainted when getting out of his Aston Martin following the race.

While the sport’s governing body the FIA said it noted the issues from Sunday, many promiment figures defended the decision to race. Notable among them were Will Buxton – star of Netflix show ‘Drive to Survive’ and a presenter for Formula One.

Advertisement

Qatar GP gave Buxton Cozumel vibes

He said F1 drivers should have the choice to race or not, and likened them to triathletes. Specifically that iconic moment featuring the Brownlee brothers – Alistair and Jonny – in Cozumel in 2016.

Alistair of course helped Jonny when his brother suffered from heat exhaustion during the latter stages of that race in Mexico, and spoke at length afterwards about the serious ramifications it can have.

Buxton told his followers on X (formerly Twitter): “Absolutely do not agree with the social media noise around a retrospective anger to have called the race off. Racers race. Lights to flag. They are elite sportspeople and the choice to compete and to continue is theirs alone. As radio comms attests.

“I think of triathletes pushed beyond their limits. The Brownlees. That show of ultimate sportsmanship. Countless examples in numerous sports where competitors have pushed beyond. But again I ask the question from the outset – recklessness or courage? A fine line.”

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Olympic bronze medallist almost called it quits ahead of Challenge Roth debut but now “exactly where I’m supposed to be”
Lionel Sanders at the press conference ahead of 70.3 World Championship 2023
Huge injury update as Canadian triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders confirms brutal diagnosis
Sam Dickinson second place ironman 703 jonkoping 2025
British Olympic hero Sam Dickinson bidding for home glory at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...