FIA declares Heat Hazard for Austrian Grand Prix weekend

According to the governing body’s weather service, temperatures could reach around 32°C during Saturday’s final practice and qualifying sessions, while even hotter conditions are expected for Sunday’s race.

The Heat Hazard regulations were introduced following the extreme conditions seen at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers suffered from heat-related issues during the race. The protocol is designed to protect competitors when temperatures reach levels considered potentially dangerous.

With the Heat Hazard now in effect, teams are permitted to use driver cooling systems. Drivers who choose not to wear the cooling equipment will instead have a 5kg ballast fitted to their cars to ensure equal conditions across the field.

Although the FIA had originally intended to make the cooling systems mandatory, concerns raised by drivers regarding comfort and practicality resulted in their use remaining optional for the 2026 season.