NEWS
Special Heat Rule Fails to Impress F1 Drivers
Austria is suffering from scorching heat, and the Formula 1 circus is suffering along with it. A well-intentioned solution doesn't seem to be fully developed yet.
In eastern Austria, temperatures will approach the 40-degree mark this weekend.
In Spielberg, there's a slight reprieve of a few degrees, but temperatures are expected to consistently exceed 31 degrees throughout the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.
This is the "magic limit" at which the FIA feels compelled to intervene. The rule has been in place since 2025 – but has never yet had to be activated for a race in Europe.
According to this, drivers must wear a cooling vest system in the car. If they forego it, an equivalent additional weight of five kilograms will be imposed instead.
The Car Will Give Up Before Isack Does
Anyone who believes the drivers are gratefully accepting this supposed relief is mistaken.
"I don't like it; there are too many hoses, too many things coming into the cockpit. It's not comfortable. And it might work for ten minutes, then it's warm again," Isack Hadjar grimaced with dissatisfaction.
"I've actually never been at a point where I really needed it. If I need it, the car won't be able to stand the heat anymore either. I believe it would give up before I do," the Frenchman declared robustly.
Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen prefers to put on the vest only before the race and drive without it.
A Mexican Just Laughs It Off
Even for the championship leader, the system is not yet mature enough.
"When I used it last year in Austin, it didn't end well. We had problems with the system and I was cooked in the car. I want to make sure it's fully developed first," Kimi Antonelli dismissed.
Sergio Perez could only smile at the Europeans' concern: "For me as a Mexican, the temperature is pretty average. I'll wear it to cool down at least a little bit," the veteran replied cheekily but showed a mild stance regarding the option.
Fittingly, the Cadillac driver was the only one to appear at the press conference in shorts.
Historic Heat Warning
If fans follow suit, it's at least advisable to generously apply sunscreen to their legs. Free sunscreen is provided by the Red Bull Ring for this purpose.
Just like drinking water – and permission to bring empty bottles up to 1.5L onto the premises.
After all, the state of Styria declared a "Red" heat warning level for the first time in its history.
