Singapore Is the First ‘Heat Hazard’ Race in F1, But What Does This Really Imply?

      Morgan Hancock/NurPhoto via Getty

      The latest in car news and reviews, no nonsense

      Sign up for our free daily newsletter to receive the most important stories directly to your inbox every weekday.

      Many Formula 1 drivers are apprehensive about racing in Singapore, not solely due to the challenging overtaking opportunities on the bumpy street circuit, but primarily because of the intense heat and humidity they must contend with. This weekend's forecast predicts even hotter and more humid conditions than usual, prompting the FIA to classify it as a “Heat Hazard” race—the first of its kind.

      First, there’s the possibility of rain. The weather forecast indicates a 40% chance of rain on Friday, and 20% for both Saturday and Sunday. While this is fairly typical for Singapore during this season, the risk of heavy rain obviously exacerbates the already high humidity levels. The real concern—and the reason the FIA intervened—lies in the extreme heat. The forecast indicates temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday, and 33 on race day, which translates to 91 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

      Morgan Hancock via Getty

      For those in Texas or Arizona, those temperatures may seem ordinary, but paired with the expected 85% to 90% humidity this weekend, it greatly intensifies conditions for the drivers, creating a perceived temperature of 125 degrees or more, according to NOAA. And that’s just the sensation of being outdoors while sipping a cold drink. The average temperature inside an F1 car's cabin is around 120 degrees, but in venues like Saudi Arabia or Singapore, it can reach 140 degrees. Drivers will have to endure these conditions for two hours while staying physically and mentally alert, which increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.

      Heat Hazard Protocol

      To mitigate the risks, the FIA has implemented its Heat Hazard protocol, activated when temperatures surpass 30 degrees Celsius. What does this entail? It's straightforward yet significant. Initially, the FIA encourages all 20 drivers to consider wearing a cooling suit throughout the weekend, though they cannot impose this requirement.

      Cooling suits have been utilized in racing for decades, and I personally used one back in the early 2000s while racing shifter karts in the southern states, where it was common to face temperatures above 110 degrees all day. F1 cooling suits, however, are far more advanced and effective.

      Clive Rose via Getty

      Produced by the U.S.-based Chill Out Motorsports, the FIA-certified cooling systems consist of two main parts: a box containing a micro-compressor, evaporator, and condensation unit, and a long-sleeve, fireproof shirt with around 150 feet of tubing woven throughout. As Motorsport.com detailed, the tubes transport a coolant mixture from the box to the shirt.

      Despite the FIA’s encouragement, they cannot mandate that drivers wear these cooling suits, even if it seems like the sensible choice. The rationale is rooted in performance. The cooling unit required for the car weighs about 4 pounds, while the suit, tubing, and electrical components can add roughly an additional pound. In a sport where every ounce counts, adding extra weight for comfort is typically frowned upon.

      The FIA's method of encouraging drivers to wear the cooling suits involves stipulating that a ballast weighing 11 pounds must be added to the car of any driver who decides against using the cooling suit. This strategy ensures that drivers who choose to stay cool aren't penalized, while also nudging others to consider wearing the system if it means avoiding added weight.

      Mark Thompson

      Even so, some drivers have previously chosen to forgo the equipment and tough it out. There have been instances of (older) units failing mid-race, leaving drivers feeling even worse from the heat. Conversely, some have reported that the shirt feels too cumbersome, making them feel restricted within the already tight confines of the cockpit.

      F1 drivers are incredibly fit, and most participate in specialized training regimens ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, where they can lose up to eight pounds due to sweating during the race. This training often involves high-intensity cardio in hot and humid environments, including boxing, jumping rope, and even using stationary bikes for the entire duration of race simulations in steam rooms and saunas.

      Have a tip? Email us at [email protected]