The FIA has declared a heat hazard for the United States Grand Prix, with the weather forecast for the weekend in Austin exceeding 31 degrees Celsius.
The round at the Circuit of the Americas marks the second event in succession that the motorsport governing body has taken such measures, following the Singapore Grand Prix.
As confirmed by the FIA: “In accordance with Article 26.19 of the Sporting Regulations, having received a forecast from the Official Weather Service predicting that the Heat Index will be greater than 31.0°C at some time
during the Sprint or Race at this event, a Heat Hazard is declared.”
This means drivers will be required to either wear the mandatory-for-2026 cooling vests, which have proven contentious this year, or have 0.5kg of ballast added to the cockpit of their car.
At the Marina Bay Street Circuit, they proved to be a divisive matter, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen speaking out against them.
More to follow…