FIA declare heat hazard as F1 drivers face crucial decision

The FIA has announced a heat hazard warning for the Singapore Grand Prix, with conditions expected to breach 31°C during the weekend.

As a result, drivers are facing a major decision over whether to fit a cooling vest or add ballast to their cars.

A race in extreme conditions in Qatar during the 2023 season resulted in many drivers seeking medical attention after the chequered flag.

It prompted the creation of the Driver Cooling system, a vest that features various tubes that pump cool water.

George Russell debuted the vest at the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year and complimented the cooling benefit it offered, but admitted there was “room to improve” amid concerns over the restrictions it poses within the tight confines of the cockpit.

Due to the initial concerns over its integration, the device was not made mandatory for the current season.

Article 26.19 of the FIA sporting regulations outlines that in the event of a heat hazard being declared, those who do not fit the vest will have to compensate through added weight to the car.

“However, any driver may elect not to wear any items of personal equipment that form part of the driver cooling system,” the segment of the regulations states. 

“In such circumstance, all other components, including any cooling medium, of the Driver Cooling System must be fitted. 

“In addition, the difference in mass between the driver’s personal equipment normally used and any items of a driver’s personal equipment that form part of the system must be compensated by the fitting of 0.5kg of ballast in the cockpit, such ballast designated for this purpose will be included in sum of masses described in Article 4.7b of the Technical Regulations.”

This weekend's event at Singapore is the first time the FIA has declared a heat hazard since the term was added to the regulations this year.