FIA declare Austrian GP heat warning as scorching temperatures loom

The FIA has declared a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix weekend as drivers look set to face sweltering temperatures in Spielberg.

The Red Bull Ring hosts round eight of the campaign, with F1 descending on the track while Europe endures a significant heat wave.

Following extreme conditions during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, the FIA adapted its regulations to enhance driver safety in the event that temperatures pass a certain threshold.

This is set at 31°C, and if at any point during a weekend the forecast is expected to exceed that figure, a heat hazard is called.

In the build-up to the race weekend, FIA director Rui Marquez announced in a statement: “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.”

The drivers now have the choice to fit a cooling system to the car, which has been trialled and tested over the last couple of years.

However, the decision to do so remains optional, but those who opt not to use it must add ballast to the car in the interest of fair competition.

Temperatures in Spielberg are set to get increasingly hotter as the weekend progresses, and Sunday's grand prix could be held in conditions up to 36°C.