A great first in Formula 1. Ran this weekend on the urban route of Marina Bay, the Singapore Grand Prix was classified as a risk linked to hot weather by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) on Thursday.
“After receiving forecasts from the official weather service announcing that the temperature would exceed 31 ° C during the race, (the system of) risk linked to heat was triggered,” Rui Marques Rui Marques said on Thursday.
Introduced after the Qatar 2023 Grand Prix, when several pilots had to receive care after suffering from heat, this rule allows them to wear special refreshing vests during the race. These vests can however be uncomfortable in an already very small cockpit, according to some pilots who tested them.
“I have already been able to try it and honestly, it’s a real difference,” said French Thursday Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls). “The problem is that if it doesn’t work, you’re really damn because it’s a big jacket anyway.”
Pilots can lose up to 3 kg
To compensate for the addition of this cooling kit, the total minimum regulatory weight increases by 5 kg, going to 805 kg. If the kit must be installed on single -seaters this weekend, the pilots will not, however, be required to wear the jacket – but will still have to transport an additional 0.5 kg ballast so as not to benefit from a weight advantage.
“Five kilos is just over a tenth and a half” lost, said Pierre Gasly (Alpine) on Thursday. “It feels, but it’s really minimal”. Marina Bay’s urban route is judged as one of the most difficult, where humidity and heat reigns. Pilots can lose up to three pounds for a two -hour race.
