FIA responds to heat hazard: Cooling vest debate heats up after scorching Singapore Grand Prix
For the first time in Formula One (F1) history, the FIA officially declared a “heat hazard” for a Grand Prix weekend triggered by forecasts of ambient temperatures exceeding 31°C and humidity above 90°C. Cockpit temperatures at Marina Bay are expected to reach 55-60°C prompting mandatory installation of driver cooling systems in all cars. The rule was introduced after extreme conditions at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix where multiple drivers suffered heat exhaustion.
George Russell described the car as “a sauna,” adding “Singapore being Singapore … Sunday won’t be a breeze.” Alex Albon, who previously tested the vest in Saudi Arabia defended it as a safe and effective option noting its benefits in post race recovery. Lewis Hamilton expressed scepticism calling the vest “itchy” and questioning its comfort under race conditions. Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll were more pragmatic acknowledging the vest’s potential but noting its limitations in durability as well as comfort.
The FIA approved cooling vest system circulates chilled liquid through fireproof tubing stitched into the vest connected to a pump and thermal store. The system aims to regulate core body temperature reducing risks of dehydration, dizziness and fatigue. Concerns include, cars must carry an extra 5kg if the vest is used or ballast if the driver opts out. Drivers report discomfort from bulky connectors and tubing, especially under g-forces. Some systems previously failed mid-race, turning the vest into a heat insulator rather than a cooling aid.
The FIA now treats heat as quantifiable safety risk akin to rain or lightning with formal protocols under Article 26.19 of the Sporting Regulations. The heat hazard framework includes mandatory cooling system installation, medical monitoring and procedural adjustments. From 2026, cooling vests will become mandatory at any race where the heat index exceeds the FIA threshold. This marks a shift toward standardised thermal protection reflecting growing concerns over climate related risks in motorsport.
Albon defended the FIA’s cooling vest initiative stating: “It’s a nice thing that we’ve got a choice … I don’t see it as a bad thing – and I think it’s safe.” His comment underscores the importance of driver autonomy in managing physical strain, especially under extreme conditions like Singapore’s 60°C cockpit heat and 90% humidity.
Teams adopted varied approaches, Williams and Aston Martin trialled FIA approach cooling vests balancing weight penalties with driver comfort. Mercedes focused on pre-race hydration protocols including electrolyte loading and ice vest use during grid prep. Red Bull and McLaren emphasised pre-race conditioning with driver undergoing heat acclimation sessions in addition to sauna training. In race hydration systems were optimised to deliver chilled fluids with some teams adjusting bottle placement to avoid overheating.
With rising global temperatures, the FIA is reviewing, car design regulations to allow more efficient cockpit airflow and thermal insulation. Race scheduling, potentially shifting start times or dates for venues like Qatar, Singapore and Miami. Driver prep standards, including mandatory heat stress testing and wearable biometric monitoring. The heat hazard protocol, introduced in 2025, may become a fixture at select venue based on humidity and heat index thresholds.
Drivers are increasingly vocal about physical strain with figures like Russell, Sainz and Esteban Ocon pushing for better thermal protection as well as recovery support. The FIA’s response reflects a broader shift toward athlete centered policymaking, influenced by lessons from Qatar 2023 and Singapore 2025. There’s growing recognition that elite motorsport demands not just technical excellence but physiological resilience and that safety must evolve with climate realities.
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