FIA warns of sizzling Singapore – cooling vests in focus

Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit is set to become a cauldron of heat and humidity this weekend, with the FIA issuing for the first time in the sport's history a heat hazard warning for this weekend's event.

Forecasts predict temperatures soaring past 31°C, coupled with Singapore’s notorious humidity, creating grueling conditions for Formula 1 drivers.

In response, the FIA is offering drivers the option to wear a newly developed cooling vest to combat the extreme heat or face the addition of ballast to their cars to maintain fairness.

This marks the first time the FIA has activated its heat hazard protocol since its introduction earlier this year, putting driver safety and strategic choices in the spotlight.

A Fiery Challenge for F1’s Finest

The Singapore Grand Prix, historically the sport’s first night race, is already one of the toughest events on the F1 calendar. The tight, twisty 5.063-kilometer circuit, combined with high humidity and limited airflow, creates a punishing environment for drivers.

The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix served as a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme heat, with several drivers requiring medical attention after battling dehydration and exhaustion.

That race prompted the FIA to develop the Driver Cooling System, a vest equipped with tubes that circulate cool water to regulate body temperature. This weekend’s scorching forecast has thrust the vest into focus, forcing drivers to weigh its benefits against its drawbacks.

The Toll of Heat and the Cooling Vest Advantage

Sweltering heat and humidity wreak havoc on F1 drivers, who endure cockpit temperatures that can exceed 50°C during a race. Clad in fireproof race suits and helmets, drivers lose significant body weight through sweat, with some shedding up to 4 kilograms in a single race.

This physical strain can impair concentration, reaction times, and endurance – critical factors in a sport where split-second decisions determine outcomes.

The FIA-approved cooling vest, debuted by Mercedes driver George Russell at the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year, offers a lifeline. By pumping cool water through a network of tubes, the vest helps maintain core body temperature, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion.

However, the vest’s added bulk can feel restrictive in the cramped cockpit, and Russell noted there’s “room to improve” its design, which also forces driver to carry extra weight.

As a result, for those opting against the vest, the FIA mandates 0.5 kilograms of ballast to offset the weight advantage, ensuring a level playing field.

This ballast, integrated into the cockpit, aligns with Article 26.19 of the FIA sporting regulations, which requires all cooling system components to be fitted regardless of vest usage.

Strategic Decisions Under Pressure

The heat hazard warning has introduced a new layer of strategy for teams and drivers. Choosing whether to wear the cooling vest or add ballast could influence performance on Singapore’s demanding track.

The vest, while offering thermal relief, may compromise comfort and mobility, potentially affecting a driver’s ability to navigate the circuit’s 19 corners with precision.

Conversely, adding ballast increases the car’s weight, which could shave fractions of a second off lap times – a critical factor in a race where qualifying often determines the podium.

Teams are now analyzing data and consulting with drivers to make the call, balancing physical endurance against on-track performance.

As fans eagerly await the action under Singapore’s iconic skyline, the focus will be as much on the drivers’ resilience as on their speed.

With temperatures rising and the stakes higher than ever, the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix promises to be a battle against both rivals and the elements.

Read also:

• Vasseur: Singapore qualifying ‘will be decisive’ for Ferrari

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