FIA declare heat warning for Italian GP as extreme temperatures forecast

The FIA has declared a 'Heat Hazard' for the Italian Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 2026 F1 season.

Temperatures at Monza are forecast to exceed normal early September levels, which typically sit around 25-27°C, prompting the governing body to activate its formal heat-stress protocol ahead of the weekend.

The Heat Hazard framework was introduced for the 2024 season following the harrowing scenes at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where extreme heat and humidity left multiple drivers in serious physical distress. 

Esteban Ocon vomited inside his helmet and continued racing, Logan Sargeant was forced to retire on medical grounds, while Lance Stroll and Alex Albon required post-race treatment for heat exhaustion. Several drivers reported being close to blacking out at high speed.

In the aftermath, the FIA formalised a plan to stop such a situation from occurring again in the future, and with the temperature this weekend set to exceed 31.0°C, it has opted to intervene. 

For Monza, drivers will benefit from enhanced cooling measures on the grid, including fans, ice vests and shade structures. 

Cars are also permitted to run the FIA-approved driver cooling system, which circulates cooled fluid through tubing in a vest worn beneath the race suit to help regulate body temperature during track running. 

Use of the system is not compulsory, meaning drivers can choose not to wear it if they prefer. However, those who opt out must carry equivalent ballast so there is no performance advantage from avoiding the additional weight of the cooling equipment.

Post-session medical checks will be mandatory, with dedicated cooling areas available immediately after track running