FIA has declared a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix, forcing drivers to choose either cooling vests or 0.5‑kg ballast under its heat protocol.
Heat Hazard Declaration
Under Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 Regulations, officials applied the heat protocol after a forecast predicted the heat index would exceed 31.0°C during the race. The decision adds extra driver‑cooling procedures and sets the competition at 33°C on Sunday.
Driver Cooling Options
Drivers will face a clear choice: wear an optional cooling vest or accept the weight penalty. The vest remains non‑mandatory after complaints about comfort and effectiveness, so teams must decide fast to stay within the new regulations.
Temperature Forecast
Weather reports forecast continuous temperatures above the 31‑degree threshold for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday’s FP2 session could hit 36°C; Saturday’s qualifying will likely reach 35°C; and the Saturday 15:00 race start will be struck by a 33‑degree ambient.
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