The Austrian Grand Prix has been declared a heat-hazard race by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Formula 1's governing body. This designation marks the first time this season the race has been subjected to this rule, implemented due to a significant heatwave affecting Europe and setting record temperatures in multiple countries.
The heat-hazard designation was previously applied to the Singapore and US Grands Prix in the preceding year. The extreme temperatures pose a serious concern for drivers, who operate in cockpits that can exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) while wearing multiple layers of fireproof clothing, helmets, and balaclavas.
Some drivers have expressed reservations about using cooling kits, citing discomfort and potential issues with coolant running out before a race concludes. When coolant levels are depleted, the liquid within the car's systems can reach ambient car temperatures, which are considerably higher than the surrounding air temperature.