Weather warning issued as Austrian GP set for brutal conditions

A weather warning has been issued for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix as soaring temperatures sweep across Europe.

Several countries across the continent are set to experience potentially record-breaking temperatures for June this week, with some expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius.

While temperatures are not expected to reach those levels at the Red Bull Ring during the week or over the race weekend, scorching conditions are forecast.

Austria's national weather service has indicated that temperatures could reach 35 degrees Celsius, creating the possibility of it being the hottest race of the season so far.

Drivers, teams and fans are all set to contend with the extreme conditions, with minimal cloud cover forecast throughout the week in Spielberg. Little to no wind is also expected.

Starting on Wednesday, RacingNews365's weather partner, WeerOnline, has issued an orange heat warning for the Red Bull Ring.

While it will become clearer in the coming days whether the searing heat will persist into the weekend, temperatures are currently expected to remain above 30 degrees Celsius.

That means the heat warnings are likely to remain in place, making sun protection, hydration and seeking shade whenever possible essential for everyone in attendance.

With it set to be the hottest race of the season, the new power units will also be put to the test, in addition to the demands posed by the circuit's elevation changes.