FIA Declares Heat Hazard for Singapore Grand Prix as Drivers Split Over Cooling Vests

Formula 1 drivers will have to cope with brutal conditions at this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix after the FIA declared a Heat Hazard for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix at Marina Bay. Race director Rui Marques issued the declaration on Thursday after the official weather service forecast a heat index above 31 degrees Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) at some point during the weekend's competitive sessions. Under Article B1.5.10 of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 Regulations, every car must now be fitted with the approved driver-cooling system, which circulates cooled fluid through tubing inside a fireproof garment worn beneath the race suit. The technology was introduced after the extreme 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers needed medical attention. Singapore became the first race to receive a Heat Hazard declaration when the rule was introduced in 2025, and this is already the fourth such declaration of the 2026 season. Drivers remain divided on whether to actually wear the vests — they can opt out and accept a ballast penalty instead. Max Verstappen, who won in similar heat in Malaysia, is firmly against them, arguing the cables restrict his movement. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was more open, saying he would use one if it lasted longer than 20 laps. Even at night, drivers can lose around three kilograms of body weight over the 62-lap race at Marina Bay.