Formula 1 declares heat hazard for Austrian Grand Prix

The FIA has officially declared a 'heat hazard' for the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix weekend at the Red Bull Ring. This declaration follows forecasts predicting temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius, triggering specific sporting regulations aimed at driver welfare.

Under the 'heat hazard' conditions, teams are mandated by the FIA to equip their cars with a 'Driver Cooling System'. This system is designed to provide supplementary cooling to drivers and consists of components like a pump, plumbing, and a thermal store. A specialized fireproof vest, featuring integrated tubes, can deliver cold fluid from the system to the driver. While the core system must be fitted to the car, drivers currently have the option to wear the cooling vest, though they must compensate for any added weight with ballast if they choose not to use it.

Temperatures are expected to be high throughout the entire Austrian Grand Prix weekend, with all three days predicted to experience air temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has indicated he will use the cooling vest, noting it can offer some benefit despite potential system drawbacks. Red Bull's Isack Hadjar expressed skepticism about needing the vest, suggesting the car's limits would likely be reached before a driver's.