For the first time, Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has labeled this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix a “heat hazard” race. Sweltering temperatures and brutal humidity in the city-state could push drivers to their absolute limits.
The decision comes from weather forecasts predicting 31 degrees Celsius (88°F) and sticky humidity levels. As a result, every team must fit their cars with optional driver-cooling vests. This rule levels the playing field—no one gets an edge from skipping the gear and running a lighter car.
This marks the debut of the FIA’s new heat-hazard guidelines, rolled out after the punishing 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. There, drivers like Alpine’s Esteban Ocon ended up vomiting in his helmet, while Williams’ Logan Sargeant had to pull out after the heat overwhelmed him.
George Russell, the Mercedes driver and a director for the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), tested the vest earlier this year and gave it a thumbs up. “Not everybody finds it super comfortable, but some do more than others,” he said. “When you’re racing in 90% humidity and the cockpit hits nearly 60°C (140°F), it’s like a sauna in there. We all welcome anything that helps.”
Carlos Sainz from Williams, another GPDA director, agreed the FIA’s call feels fair. “Hot alone isn’t too bad for us drivers. Humid on its own? Manageable. But 28-30 degrees with that humidity? That’s Singapore-level tough,” he explained.
The Singapore Grand Prix has always topped the list as F1’s toughest challenge. The race stretches close to the two-hour maximum, winding through a bumpy street circuit under bright floodlights in nonstop stifling heat.
The cooling vests work like this: They’re fireproof outfits with tubes running chilled liquid through them to keep drivers cooler. Cockpit temperatures often climb above 40°C (104°F), and racers already layer up with fireproof suits, helmets, and gloves.
The FIA demands these systems hold up for the entire race distance. Still, teams note that reliability isn’t perfect—some vests warm up after just 20 minutes, leaving drivers hotter than before.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso praised the tech’s benefits but pointed out the downsides, according to Xinhua news agency. “The shirt gets a bit thicker with the system, so it’s less comfy to wear,” he said. “It’s a trade-off: not as nice to drive in, but you stay a little cooler overall.”
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