Grand Prix of Singapore
Heat harvest in Formula 1: Rule comes into force for the first time
03.10.2025 – 11:25 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
The Formula 1 weekend is in Singapore. But in addition to the challenging course, there is also another hurdle for the drivers.
Premiere at the Grand Prix in Singapore: Due to extreme temperatures, a new rule for heat protection is for the first time in Formula 1. Cooling vests are now allowed in the cockpit-a reaction to the extreme conditions in the Qatar race 2023. At that time, several drivers suffered symptoms of a heat stroke, Esteban Ocon handed over in the helmet, Logan Sargeant had to give up the race.
In Singapore, over 31 degrees and high humidity are expected for the race. In order to protect the health of the drivers, the World Association FIA has decided: The cars must be equipped with cooling modules, pumps and heat exchangers for the use of the West. The minimum weight of the vehicles is raised by five kilos to 805 kilograms.
If a driver does not wear a cooling vest, he has to carry 500 grams of additional weight. The system will only be mandatory from 2026 – many teams are already testing it now. There were problems with the first missions: some vests only worked for 20 minutes, and drivers complained through the cooling tubes via pressure points.
Mercedes pilot George Russell, one of the spokesman for the driver union, welcomes the innovation. “If you drive at 90 percent humidity and it gets hot in the cockpits up to 60 degrees, it’s a bit like a sauna in the car,” he said. Williams driver Carlos Sainz looks similar. “If it breaks or does not work, I’m not worried. But if it works, it is better because you suffer a little less,” he commented.
Not all pilots will access the vest on Sunday (from 2 p.m. in the live ticker at T-Online)-some continue to rely on special sauna training. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc expects difficult conditions, but considers it feasible. Routine Nico Hülkenberg sums it up: “You have to take the ballast into the car anyway. Then you can put on the vest.”