Singapore

F1 Declares First Heat Hazard at Singapore Grand Prix

Published OCT 3 2025

Story

Above: Oscar Piastri attaches a cooling vest under his race overalls at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 30, 2025. Image credit: Clive Rose/Formula 1/Getty Images

The Facts

For the first time in Formula 1 history, the FIA classified the Singapore Grand Prix as a heat hazard, after race director Rui Marques informed teams that ambient temperatures were expected to hit 31°C over the weekend.
South China Morning Post
Daily Mail
Teams must install cooling system equipment, including pumps, coolant reservoirs and heat exchangers, in all cars. Drivers who choose not to wear the vests must carry an additional 0.5 kilograms of ballast to prevent a competitive advantage.
Formula 1
South China Morning Post
Formula 1 drivers can lose up to 3 kilograms of body weight through sweat during the Singapore Grand Prix, equivalent to losing approximately 3 liters of fluid, which is around 4 to 5% of their total body weight over the two-hour event.
ESPN.com
FOX News
The cooling vest system was developed following the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where extreme heat left several drivers requiring medical attention, including Logan Sargeant, who retired due to dehydration, and Lance Stroll, who collapsed after the race.
ESPN.com
Autosport
Mercedes driver George Russell became the first to test the current generation cooling vests during this year's Bahrain Grand Prix, crediting the system with maintaining mental sharpness and improving comfort during his second-place finish.
BBC News
Motorsport

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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CRIT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

F1's new cooling vests are a smart safety innovation that's rapidly improving. Teams are continually improving the systems, extending their effectiveness from 30 minutes to over an hour. Drivers like Sainz remain confident that they can handle Singapore without the technology if needed, but it offers clear benefits with minimal risk.

The Race

Narrative B

The cooling vests are an uncomfortable, unreliable technology that drivers don't want to use. Multiple drivers report itching, discomfort and bulky designs that interfere with their racing. The systems can fail or exacerbate the situation by circulating hot water, creating dangerous situations, especially during intense heat waves.

The Athletic