![\"F1](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/XPB_1375364_HiRes.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe FIA will impliment their new heat policy in Singapore this weekend. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe FIA will impliment their new heat policy in Singapore this weekend. Image: XPB Images<\/p>\n
The FIA confirmed the measure on Thursday after forecasts predicted air temperatures above 31\u00b0C at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, triggering Article 26.19 of the Sporting Regulations.<\/p>\n
The rule follows a review of extreme conditions at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers required medical attention due to heat and dehydration.<\/p>\n
All cars must now be fitted with the Driver Cooling System, which includes pumps, plumbing, a coolant reservoir, and a heat exchanger.<\/p>\n
Drivers may choose whether to wear the fireproof vest itself; those who opt out must add 0.5kg of ballast to maintain minimum car weight.<\/p>\n
The vests circulate coolant through a network of tubes to help keep drivers\u2019 core temperatures down. Initially intended as mandatory equipment whenever a heat hazard was declared, the vest was later made optional after complaints about discomfort in cramped cockpits.<\/p>\n
George Russell was the first to trial the system at the Bahrain Grand Prix, crediting it with helping him maintain focus despite a major electrical problem en route to second place.<\/p>\n
Singapore is one of the most physically demanding races on the calendar, combining narrow city streets with high heat and humidity.<\/p>\n
Temperatures are expected to exceed 30\u00b0C for all three days of on-track action, and humidity will compound the physical challenge.<\/p>\n
The heat hazard declaration aims to reduce the risk of dehydration, fainting, or other heat-related issues during both the race and supporting sessions.<\/p>\n
Several drivers expressed their thoughts on the news in Singapore on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Speaking with Speedcafe, Esteban Ocon said he had prepared for the weekend without expecting a heat hazard but welcomed the safety measure.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, it\u2019s a great thing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can be dangerous. At some point one driver is going to be coming back from a cold or having a cold in the weekend and he might lose consciousness with how dehydrated we can get.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo yes it is extremely tough\u2026 but for safety it is worth putting it. If it\u2019s fine, I\u2019m happy to have a bit more comfort as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
GPDA director Russell added that drivers generally support the system, even if it takes some adjustment.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot everybody finds the top comfortable, but I think some find it more comfortable than others, and of course over time you\u2019ll be able to adjust it to your own preferences,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the concept is good, and when you\u2019re racing in 90% humidity and the cockpits are getting on for 60\u00b0C, it\u2019s a bit of a sauna inside the car, so I think we all welcome it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carlos Sainz noted teams are learning to make the system more reliable.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a two-hour race,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve done it 10 times in Singapore.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it breaks or it doesn\u2019t work, I\u2019m not worried. I\u2019ll do the race and jump out fresh like I always do. But if it works, it\u2019s better, because then you suffer a bit less.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to managing the driver\u2019s comfort, the system affects minimum car weight.<\/p>\n
Cars must carry 2kg extra during Free Practice and Qualifying, and 5kg for a Sprint or Grand Prix, reflecting the added equipment.<\/p>\n
Teams have adjusted strategies to account for the extra mass while maximizing the cooling benefits in Singapore\u2019s punishing conditions.<\/p>\n