Austrian Grand Prix declared heat hazard by F1 chiefs with teams forced to invoke rarely-seen rule

The FIA has declared the Austrian Grand Prix a heat hazard, triggering a rarely used Formula 1 rule as Europe faces a heatwave heading into race weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

The declaration means teams must fit a Driver Cooling System in each car if temperatures are forecast to rise above 31C at some point during the weekend. Drivers are still free to decide whether to use the system in the race, but they would have to accept the associated weight penalty if they do not.

This is the first time the rule has been applied in Europe. The heat-hazard designation had previously been used twice before, in Singapore and Texas last season, according to reporting from The Guardian.

What the rule changes

The cooling kit is designed to help drivers deal with extreme cockpit temperatures, but it also affects car setup and race strategy. Teams now have to install the system, while each driver can make a separate choice on whether the extra cooling is worth the trade-off in weight.

That leaves the field balancing comfort against performance before Sunday’s race at Spielberg, with the Austrian Grand Prix set for June 28.

How the paddock is reacting

Driver reactions suggest the rule may matter as much for car and tire performance as for personal comfort.

Isack Hadjar said the cooling vest was uncomfortable and suggested the car would fail before he would if the heat became that severe, according to SB Nation’s reporting.

Oscar Piastri said he expected to use the system and described it as something that can help a bit if it works properly.

Pierre Gasly said he prepared for the race by training in 36C conditions in Milan the previous week.

In the FIA’s Thursday press conference transcript, Sergio Perez said he would wear the system to stay a little cooler despite the weight penalty.

What happens next

The main question now is whether the forecast stays above the FIA threshold through qualifying and race day, and whether every team and driver takes the cooling option.

For now, the Austrian Grand Prix has become the first European race to trigger the heat-hazard rule, making the weekend both a safety test and a strategic one.