F1 WORLD SHCK: FIA’ Shocking Hazard Threatens US Grand Prix… Read more
Extreme Heat Threatens US Grand Prix as FIA Considers Another Heat Hazard Warning
Formula 1 is preparing for a sizzling weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, as temperatures are forecast to soar dangerously high — raising the possibility of a second consecutive FIA-declared heat hazard. Following the first-ever such warning at the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this month, the governing body could once again activate special heat protection measures for the drivers at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
The 19th round of the 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be thrilling, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris set to continue their battle near the top of the championship standings. However, both drivers — along with the rest of the grid — will have to contend with sweltering heat, as forecasts predict a “real feel” temperature of up to 39°C (102°F) during Saturday’s qualifying session.
Adding to the challenge, Austin will host a sprint weekend, meaning drivers will face extra on-track sessions and points opportunities. This extended schedule could make fatigue and overheating a serious concern across the grid. The FIA’s decision on whether to declare another heat hazard could therefore play a crucial role in ensuring driver safety and performance throughout the weekend.
What Is a Heat Hazard in Formula 1?
The FIA introduced the concept of a “heat hazard” to address growing safety concerns over extreme weather during race weekends. When such conditions are officially declared, drivers are allowed to use cooling vests while in the cockpit. These vests circulate cool air or liquid around the body, helping reduce core temperature and prevent heat exhaustion.
However, the FIA also added an important rule for competitive fairness. If a driver chooses not to wear a cooling vest, they must compensate by adding 0.5 kilograms of ballast to their car. This ensures that teams do not gain a weight advantage by skipping the equipment. The rule was first implemented at the start of the 2025 season, following driver feedback that the vests were somewhat uncomfortable or restrictive during earlier tests.
The governing body stated in its regulations:
“The difference in mass between the driver’s personal equipment normally used and any items of a driver’s personal equipment that form part of the system must be compensated by the fitting of 0.5kg of ballast in the cockpit.”
This measure was specifically designed to prevent incidents like those seen at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where multiple drivers reported severe dehydration, dizziness, and heat-related illness after racing in stifling conditions.
Could Austin See the Second Heat Hazard in a Row?
When the FIA declared the heat hazard for Singapore, the decision was made on Thursday before the race weekend began. The official announcement cited forecasts showing a Heat Index — which measures how hot it feels by combining air temperature and humidity — above 31°C, triggering the regulation under Article 26.19 of the Sporting Regulations.
With Austin’s forecast now showing similar or even higher temperatures, the conditions appear to meet the same threshold. According to current predictions, Friday’s practice sessions could take place in 33°C heat, while Saturday’s qualifying and sprint sessions are expected to peak at 35°C under clear skies. Although Sunday’s race should be slightly cooler at around 31°C, the overall heat index could still push the FIA to act.
The timing of any official declaration would likely mirror Singapore’s — coming on Thursday during media day, once the FIA receives final meteorological data from its official weather service.
If the FIA does issue another warning, it would mark the second-ever heat hazard in Formula 1 history, and the second in as many races. Such a move would underline the sport’s growing need to adapt to extreme weather conditions as global temperatures continue to rise.
For teams and drivers, it means another weekend of careful management — balancing car performance, physical endurance, and hydration in what could be one of the toughest races of the season.
As the sun prepares to blaze down on Texas, the question remains: will the FIA once again step in to keep Formula 1’s best protected from the heat? Fans and teams alike will find out soon enough, with Thursday’s decision expected to set the tone for a fiery weekend at COTA.
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