By Alexandra Whyte
The FIA have officially declared the Austrian Grand Prix a heat hazard with temperatures set to soar to 38° during the race weekend.
The announcement comes amid Europe’s sweltering heatwave, meaning that on-track temperatures at the Red Bull ring could reach the mid 50s.
FIA Formula 1 Race Director, Rui Marques released a note to teams stating: “In accordance with Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 Regulations, having received a forecast from the Official Weather Service predicting that the Heat Index will be greater than 31.0 °C at some time during the Race at this Competition, a Heat Hazard is declared.”
FIA regulations
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the governing body for Formula 1, created the measures after several drivers required medical attention for heat exhaustion following the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.
Formally introduced in 2025, the framework allows teams to fit advanced cooling systems for their drivers, with the minimum weight limit increased to accommodate these extra parts.
The declaration of a heat hazard means that the temperatures are harmful and dangerous to the drivers on track.
FIA Formula 1 Race Director, Rui Marques released a note to teams stating: “In accordance with Article 26.19 of the Sporting Regulations, having received a forecast from the Official Weather Service predicting that the heat index will be greater than 31.0 °C at some time during the race at this event, a heat hazard is declared.”
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Mandatory cooling vests
After the 2025 Singapore and United States Grand Prix were declared heat hazards, drivers were potentially going to be wearing mandatory cooling vests if the FIA announced a heat hazard.
Max Verstappen was one of the drivers against the potential change and told Sky Sports: “I just think it should be an option – that you can choose for yourself whether you want to wear it or not.
“It’s a bit ridiculous to be honest. In the end, it’s about your own safety and how you feel about it. I don’t think they should make that mandatory at all.”
Teams that opt out of these measures will have to carry a five-kilogram ballast to avoid gaining an advantage.
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