Heat Alert at the US GP: FIA Activates Cooling Measures

Heat Alert at the United States Grand Prix: FIA Takes Action

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has declared a heat alert for the United States Grand Prix, anticipating that cooling systems for the drivers will be essential for the second race in a row. Pilots will have the option to use a specially designed cooling vest under their overalls. This device helps to keep the body temperature low inside the cockpit, where conditions can be extreme. If a driver decides not to use the vest, ballast is added to the car to compensate for the weight advantage they would have by not using the system. This ensures that those who do use it are not at a competitive disadvantage. The heat alert was issued after the official Formula 1 meteorological service forecast temperatures of 31°C for this weekend’s race in Austin, Texas.

The FIA took a similar measure in Singapore two weeks ago, where some drivers chose to use the vest while others did not. The heat alert rule was implemented after the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, which took place in intense heat and humidity conditions. Williams driver Logan Sargeant retired from the race due to the conditions, while Lance Stroll collapsed next to his car after the race, after being on the verge of fainting in the high-speed corners. There are plans to make the use of cooling vests mandatory in races with heat alerts from 2026, although some drivers have spoken out against their mandatory use.

I haven’t used the vest. I also don’t intend to use it because I think this should be a choice of the driver.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen added that he prefers it to be a personal choice and not an obligation. He also mentioned that, from his perspective, there are other safety areas that could have more priority than the mandatory use of the vest.