Singapore Grand Prix heat: how F1 drivers keep cool, explained

The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most taxing races of the Formula 1 calendar, and this weekend it has a label to prove it: heat hazard. It’s going to be a hot grand prix, with temperatures expected to reach higher than 31C, and let’s not forget the humidity. This makes it the perfect reminder that heat management for the drivers in the cars is one of the most important factors of the championship.

This is how they do it.

The problem

Creating approximately 1000 horsepower doesn’t come without its wasted energy, and a lot of this comes in the form of heat. Sitting behind the cockpit is a 1.6-litre six-cylinder engine – and it gets hot, radiating heat into the cockpit. According to Red Bull, the cockpit can reach up to 60C.

Then add on the racing suit, the fire-retardant protection, the helmets that these drivers have to wear and the hot weather, and suddenly the heat becomes a real danger.

In Singapore, humidity can reach up to 90%, and with 19 corners, the driver is having to bully their car around the intense track. No wonder their foreheads are glistening with sweat during the post-race interviews – they’ve already left around 2-3kg of it in the seat.

Offence is the best form of defence

Instead of reacting to the heat when they arrive in Singapore, drivers will get a head start by beginning their preparations before the season even kicks off. Consistent training improves their strength and endurance, but training in hotter conditions begins closer to the race as drivers train to acclimatise themselves to the onslaught they’re about to go through.

Some will go through training sessions which include the use of saunas or controlled heat chambers, with the idea being to get the body used to a more intense environment. This kind of training starts properly after the summer break so when the Singapore weekend does arrive, the drivers are ready.

On top of this, they will go through a regimen of drinking specialised drinks, full of electrolytes and other chemicals to make sure they have enough fluid in their bodies to get through the 62 laps of the race.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Before and during the race

With this heat hazard weekend upon us, drivers will be asked whether they want to wear cooling vests. These are designed to circulate cooled fluid through channels that pull the heat from the torso of the wearer. This year, they are optional, with the driver taking on a small amount of ballast instead if they choose not to wear it.

Some aren’t so fond of the idea.

“No, I’m not going to wear it,” Max Verstappen said. “I don’t really suffer from the heat that much, and it’s going to be warm anyway. Sweating a bit is fine for me, and after 15 to 20 minutes the vest gets really hot as well. So, it doesn’t help at all.”

Before the vests are slipped on, ice baths are used to lower core temperatures. Williams driver Carlos Sainz was asked about his use.

“We started [ice baths] maybe eight to 10 years ago and maybe some people would do it, some others would say they wouldn’t need it and now suddenly everyone does it. You only need to read a few books and listen to a few podcasts about body performance and body physiology and stress and exhaustion to know that it does make a difference.

“There are a few other things that I do but I keep them secret. If not, then it will become like ice baths that everyone uses and you don’t have any more performance advantages. So I’m trying to keep those for me and my performance team.”

In-car hydration is also available to drivers, with a tube tucked into the helmet that ejects fluid at the touch of a button on the steering wheel. This formulation is adapted depending on the driver, but it often becomes hot itself and can be a disgusting but necessary defence against dehydration.

George Russell, Mercedes

Aerodynamics are just as important for the driver

Air management is just as important as fluid. The helmets channel air through vents across the face and hair, while cockpit vents and deflectors purge the cockpit of hot air while minimising drag.

After the race

After the strain of Singapore, some drivers even struggle to pull themselves out of their cars. Ice scarves are applied and ice baths are filled while the drivers quickly hydrate themselves with iced drinks to lower their core body temperatures and replenish what’s been lost.

Valtteri Bottas struggled in 2017 when his drink system failed during the race.

“It was just towards the end of the race that I could feel my vision was not as clear as it should be,” he told Channel 4 at the time.

“But you know human beings can do amazing things as long as you don’t give up.”

Photos from Singapore GP – Practice & QualifyingGeorge Russell, Mercedes

George Russell, Mercedes

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Carlos Sainz, Williams

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Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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Alexander Albon, Williams

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Mattia Binotto, COO and CTO of Stake F1 Team

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Pierre Gasly, Alpine, Franco Colapinto, Alpine

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

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Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal of Cadillac Formula 1 Team

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Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team

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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

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Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team

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Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team

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Franco Colapinto, Alpine

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Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

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Franco Colapinto, Alpine

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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

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Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Alexander Albon, Williams

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Franco Colapinto, Alpine

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

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Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

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Carlos Sainz, Williams

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes

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Singapore Grand Prix heat: how F1 drivers keep cool, explained

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