Gary Hartstein, F1's former doctor, claims his stance about the controversial Bahrain grand prix led to his departure. American Hartstein, who was hand-picked by the late Professor Sid Watkins to replace him as the sport's chief doctor last decade, lost his job at the end of last season when FIA president Jean Todt chose not to renew his contract.
"I think my dismissal was partly for personal reasons," he is quoted by Speed Week. "Some people just didn't like my ways. The decision was made before the (2012) Bahrain grand prix, because I wanted to set up a central emergency number; and I was proposing it not only for Bahrain," said Hartstein. "Someone said it was a good idea and that they spoke with the president (Todt) about it. Half an hour later, the president was running towards me, ranting 'Bahrain is not a war zone!' I think that was the decisive factor for my release." (GMM)
Bahrain stance triggered F1 doctor's departure
- Published on 21 May 2013 11:22
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- By: Rob Veenstra
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Azerbaijan Grand Prix
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Azerbaijan Grand Prix
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Test calendar
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
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Jan 26
I. Hadjar
- 1:18.159
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Jan 27
M. Verstappen
- 1:19.578
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Jan 28
A. Antonelli
- 1:17.362
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Jan 29
G. Russell
- 1:16.445
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Jan 30
L. Hamilton
- 1:16.348
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
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Feb 11
L. Norris
- 1:34.669
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Feb 12
C. Leclerc
- 1:34.273
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Feb 13
A. Antonelli
- 1:33.669
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
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Feb 18
G. Russell
- 1:33.459
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Feb 19
A. Antonelli
- 1:32.803
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Feb 20
C. Leclerc
- 1:31.992
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
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Spain
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Bahrain
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Bahrain
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
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Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
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Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
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