Singapore GP Labeled 'Heat Hazard' As F1 Introduces Cooling Vest Rule

The Singapore Grand Prix this weekend was declared an official Formula One ‘Heat Hazard’ on Thursday. As the ambient temperatures are expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius on both Saturday and Sunday, it

marks the first time this new rule has been applied to help drivers stay cool.

Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most physically challenging F1 races, with extreme heat, humidity, and weather conditions. During the night race, which often lasts the maximum two-hour race limit, drivers can lose up to three kilograms.

Race director Rui Marques informed the teams on Thursday afternoon about the regulation.

Marques stated, “Having received a forecast from the official Weather Service predicting that the Heat Index will be greater than 31 °C at some time during the race… a Heat Hazard is declared.”

It left the drivers with two options: wear cooling vests or have their cars carry more ballast. The vests feature coolant tubes connected to pumps and a heat exchanger. Among those drivers who wore it, some found it uncomfortable in the already cramped cockpit during testing.

Therefore, the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) decided that wearing the vests will not be mandatory. However, the authorities said the cars must still be equipped with the necessary equipment  – specifically the pumps, coolant reservoir, and heat exchanger — to operate the vests, even if drivers choose not to use them.

Drivers who opt out of wearing the vests will also need to carry an additional 0.5 kg of ballast to prevent any advantage over those who do. The weight of the car is one of the most crucial elements in F1, where every kilogramme of weight saved can result in a tenth of a second off lap times, which can be a significant advantage in a sport where the margins are often negligible.

The cooling vest system was developed after the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers required medical attention due to the heat.

George Russell trialled the cooling vest at this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix and endorsed it.

“Of course there’s always room to improve,” the Mercedes driver said. “I wanted to give it a whirl. So far, so good.”