Singapore, Oct 3 (NationPress) The governing body of Formula 1 has designated the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix as a “heat hazard” race for the first time due to the extreme temperatures and elevated humidity that threaten to challenge drivers' physical capabilities.

This decision by the FIA comes in light of forecasts predicting temperatures around 31 degrees Celsius alongside high humidity in the tropical city-state. Teams are mandated to equip their cars with driver-cooling vests, although the use of these vests remains optional. This regulation ensures that competitors who opt not to wear them do not benefit from a lighter car.

This marks the inaugural invocation of the FIA's new heat-hazard provision, which was introduced following the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where numerous drivers required medical attention. Esteban Ocon experienced nausea in his helmet during that race, while Williams' Logan Sargeant was compelled to retire due to the oppressive conditions.

George Russell, a Mercedes driver and director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), expressed his support for the initiative after testing the vest earlier this year.

“Not everyone finds the vest comfortable, but some do prefer it,” Russell stated. “When you’re racing in 90 percent humidity and the cockpit temperature approaches 60C, it feels like a sauna inside the car, so I think we all appreciate this measure.”

Carlos Sainz, another GPDA director and Williams driver, deemed the FIA's ruling as “fair.”

“Just heat isn’t too challenging for us. Humidity on its own isn’t a major issue. But when it’s combined with temperatures exceeding 28 to 30 degrees, that’s when the conditions reach Singapore levels, making it tough,” Sainz remarked.

Singapore has long been known as the most grueling race on the calendar. The event approaches Formula 1’s two-hour limit and features a bumpy street layout illuminated by floodlights in stifling conditions.

The cooling system consists of a fireproof vest equipped with tubes that circulate chilled liquid. Cockpit temperatures can surpass 40 degrees Celsius, and drivers don multiple fireproof layers in addition to helmets and gloves.

The FIA mandates that the cooling system lasts throughout the entire race, although teams acknowledge that reliability can vary. Some designs can fail in as little as 20 minutes, causing the liquid to warm up and increasing the driver's discomfort.

Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin noted that while the device is effective, it does come with certain drawbacks, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

“The shirt becomes slightly thicker with the system, making it less comfortable,” Alonso commented. “It’s a trade-off—less comfort while driving, but a bit cooler overall.”