EXPLAINED: What does the Austrian GP ‘heat hazard’ declaration mean – and how are the drivers affected?

Another ‘heat hazard’ has been declared by Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. But what exactly does it mean for the teams and the drivers at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring? F1.com offers an all-in-one reminder…

What is a ‘heat hazard’ declaration?

For some background, following the particularly high temperatures and humidity experienced over the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix weekend, the FIA began an analysis into how similar situations could be managed in the future.

Ahead of the 2025 season, it was confirmed that a ‘heat hazard’ can be declared if pre-weekend weather forecasts predict temperatures of 31 Celcius or above at some point during a Sprint or Grand Prix.

Teams are notified of the declaration by the FIA, as they have been in Austria, and subsequently need to fit a ‘Driver Cooling System’.

Just how hot will it be in Austria?

As touched on above, F1’s Austrian Grand Prix takes place at the Red Bull Ring, near the city of Spielberg – one of many regions in Europe gripped by a heatwave.

“In accordance with Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 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 Race at this Competition, a Heat Hazard is declared,” read a note from FIA F1 Race Director Rui Marques to teams on Thursday morning.

Indeed, all three days of action at the Red Bull Ring are set to feature air temperatures above 30 Celsius, meaning a sweaty weekend ahead for the drivers.

What is the ‘Driver Cooling System’?

In short, this is defined as a system with the “sole purpose” of providing additional cooling for drivers under a ‘heat hazard’ scenario.

Several components are involved, including a pump, plumbing and thermal store, with cold fluid generated by the system delivered to the drivers through a special fireproof vest featuring various tubes.

All of the core system components must be fitted to cars, though drivers are currently permitted to choose whether or not they wear the vest itself as work continues on fine-tuning the design.

“Any driver may elect not to wear any items of personal equipment that form part of the Driver Cooling System,” reads Article B1.5.10 of the Sporting Regulations. “In such circumstance, all other components, including any cooling medium of the Driver Cooling System, must be fitted.

“In addition, the difference in mass between the driver’s personal equipment normally used and any items of a driver’s personal equipment that form part of the system must be compensated by the fitting of 0.5kg of ballast in the cockpit.”

What have the drivers said about it?

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri confirmed his intention to use the cooling vest this weekend, though he is hoping his extreme training methods – “I’ve got a few portable heaters, a small bathroom and an exercise bike!” – will also pay off.

“I used [the vest] a couple of times last year,” he explained. “There’s obviously the risk of if it goes wrong, and if it fails, then it’s worse than not wearing it. I think if you get the system working well, it can help a bit.

“It’s not a complete gamechanger, but when I used it last year it was okay. There are definitely some things that are not perfect with it, but at the end of the day, it’s personal preference.

“We have to add the weight in the car anyway, so if you can get it to work and it cools you down a little bit, then sure.”

Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, meanwhile, added: “I’ve never really been to a point where I really needed that vest. If I need it, that means the car as well can’t handle it, and we can’t drive. I think the car will give up before I do, in any case!”

Attention now turns to Friday’s first practice session in Austria, where all 22 drivers will have a chance to use the cooling system and vest – should they wish to do so.