F1 has officially declared a heat hazard for this weekend'sFormula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, which will result in special measures to keep drivers safe from potentially dangerous cockpit temperatures at the Red Bull Ring.
The FIA has invoked Article B1.5.10 of the FIA Formula One Regulations. Forecasts indicate that the heat index will exceed 31°C during the race. It marks the first heat hazard declaration of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
“In accordance with Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 Regulations, having received a forecast from the Official Weather Service predicting that the Heat Index will be greater than 31.0 °C at some time during the Race at this Competition, a Heat Hazard is declared,” said FIA's statement on the issue.
What Is Article B1.5.10 and Why Did the FIA Invoke It?
Article B1.5.10 allows the FIA to declare a Heat Hazard when weather forecasts indicate potentially dangerous temperatures for drivers. The rule was introduced after the extreme conditions at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where multiple drivers suffered heat exhaustion and required medical attention after the race.
In Austria, temperatures will be 31-32°C, and track temperatures may be above 50°C. Forecasts indicate that ambient temperatures around Spielberg could reach as high as 38°C on Sunday.
How Will the Heat Hazard Affect Drivers and Teams?
After a Heat Hazard is called, teams are required to fit FIA-approved driver cooling systems in their cars. These systems consist of pumps, cooling units, and tubing that are attached to specially designed cooling vests worn by drivers.
The system was designed to minimise the potential for heat stress in the cockpit of modern F1 cars.
When the heat hazard protocol was first introduced in Formula 1, Verstappen was clear that he did not like the cooling vest solution offered by the FIA.
The Dutch driver said, "I haven't used the vest. I'm also not intending to use it because I feel like this needs to be a driver choice."
(Photo by Mario Renzi - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
He further added, "I don't think it should ever be forced on drivers. Ultimately, it's about your own safety and how you feel with it."
These comments have become relevant again because the FIA has now declared a 'Heat Hazard' for the Austrian Grand Prix under Article B1.5.10. The FIA has declared heat hazards in Austria, so teams will have to prepare their cars for extreme temperatures again at the Red Bull Ring.