Formula 1 News: FIA triggers heat alert in Singapore

The FIA has declared a heat alert for the Singapore Grand Prix due to expected temperatures of 31°C, posing risks to drivers’ health. This follows the extreme conditions at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where drivers faced severe physical strain, prompting the FIA to form a heat task force to enhance safety measures.

Singapore’s demanding circuit, combined with high heat and humidity, makes it Formula 1’s most grueling race. To address the heat hazard, teams must equip cars with cooling vest systems, including pumps, coolant reservoirs, and heat exchangers. Drivers can choose to wear cooling vests or add 0.5kg of ballast to compensate for not using them, as the vests can feel restrictive in the tight cockpit.

The cooling vest technology, tested by George Russell at the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, improves driver comfort and mental focus. While effective, some drivers remain cautious due to added weight and rare system failures. The FIA’s new measures, developed after Qatar’s challenges, aim to balance safety and performance, with Singapore being the first real test.