The FIA has declared an extreme heat alert for the Formula 1 Italian GP, due to the forecast of temperatures above 31°C. The scenario is expected to make conditions especially demanding for the drivers during the weekend.
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With the forecast indicating 33°C on Friday, while thermometers are expected to reach 34°C on Saturday and Sunday. Given this scenario, the entity will activate the measures provided in its regulations for high heat situations.
The procedure was introduced in the 2025 season, and allows teams to use advanced cooling systems for drivers during track activities. The equipment is not mandatory, but those who choose not to use certain components will have a weight compensation on the car.
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According to FIA race director Rui Marques, the decision was made after the official meteorological service indicated that the heat index should exceed 31°C at some point during the race: “According to Article B1.5.10 of the FIA Regulations for F1, having received a forecast from the Official Meteorological Service indicating that the heat index will be above 31.0°C at some point during the race in this competition, a heat alert is declared,” he said.
George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), explained that the system had already been used in some races under high temperatures: “We have used the cooling vest a few times in hot races, but this is the first time it is mandatory (those who do not want to use it will have extra weight on the car equivalent to the weight of the equipment),” he commented. Russell also highlighted that, with 90% humidity and the cockpit reaching 60°C, ‘it becomes a sauna inside the car,’ adding that the drivers received the measure positively.
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