Drivers cool despite Singapore Grand Prix being declared as Formula One’s first ‘heat hazard’ race
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
(From left) Charles Leclerc, Isack Hadjar and Alex Albon at a press conference at the F1 Pit Building on Oct 2.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Follow topic:
- Singapore GP declared F1's first "heat hazard" race due to high temperatures and humidity, triggering new FIA rules.
- Drivers can choose cooling vests or add 0.5kg ballast; vests aren't mandatory, addressing discomfort complaints.
- Drivers like Leclerc and Russell are preparing as needed, while Hamilton will trial the vest.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – The 2025 Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix may have been declared as F1’s first “heat hazard” race, but the drivers on the grid are cool on the development as they go about preparations as they normally would for one of the most gruelling races on the calendar.
This weekend’s Singapore race will be the first time a new rule to help drivers stay cool has been invoked
Race director Rui Marques issued a statement on Oct 2 notifying the teams of the regulation, which state that drivers must decide whether to fit a cooling system or add a ballast to their cars.
The system’s vests have coolant tubes with liquids connected to pumps and a heat exchanger, and while it is not mandatory, the FIA sporting regulations outline that in the event of a heat hazard being declared, those who do not fit the cooling system will have to compensate through added weight to the car in the form of an extra 0.5kg of ballast.
This is so that drivers not wearing the vests do not gain an advantage over those who do.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said in a press conference on Oct 2 – a day before the first two practice sessions – that while he does “more specific” things to prepare for the Singapore GP, the latest news will not alter his physical preparation for the weekend.
The Monegasque, who finished fifth on the Marina Bay Street Circuit amid similar temperatures and humidity in 2024, said: “My goal is to be as fit as possible for the first race to the last race, so it’s not like I start training more for Singapore because I’m just training as hard as I can over the season.
“But maybe you do some sauna sessions before Singapore, which helps the acclimatisation with the heat. And then the only thing that changes with what the FIA announced is that we have the choice, at least, to (don) the cooling vest, which is something we’ll consider and keep in our mind throughout the practices, in case it's way too warm in the car.
“But I don’t expect this weekend to be harder than last year. Last year was very warm, very tough, but it was still doable.”
The Singapore GP, which will see drivers complete 62 laps around the 4.927km Marina Bay Street Circuit on the Oct 5 race day, is one of the most physically demanding F1 races.
Extremes of heat, humidity and weather all play a part. Drivers can shed up to 3kg during the night race that often lasts the maximum race limit of two hours.
The cooling vest system was developed after the Oct 8, 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers needed medical attention after suffering in the heat, with Frenchman Esteban Ocon vomiting in his helmet, and then Williams driver Logan Sargeant retiring because he could not cope with the conditions any longer.
Some drivers have complained of the cooling system making it very uncomfortable in an already cramped cockpit.
As a result, the governing body FIA said that it will not be mandatory to wear the vests.
Mercedes driver George Russell, who trialled the cooling vest at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix and gave it the thumbs up, said on Oct 2 at the pre-weekend press conference that drivers have already used the cooling vests a few times this season at the hotter races.
Russell added: “Not everybody finds the top comfortable, but I think some find it more comfortable than others, and of course over time you’ll be able to adjust it to your own preferences.
“But the concept is good, and when you’re racing in 90 per cent humidity and the cockpits are getting on for 60 deg C, it’s a bit of a sauna inside the car, so I think we all welcome it.”
When asked if he has used the cooling vest and if he would don it this weekend, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton said on Oct 2: “I’ve never used it (in a race) but I’ll try it. It’s quite uncomfortable. It itches a lot, so not sure if I want to drag with an itchy top on.”
But regardless of the conditions, one driver raring to go as he looks to become a back-to-back Singapore Grand Prix winner
Norris, who is 25 points behind the Australian with seven races to go, said he was feeling confident.
The Briton added: “I always enjoyed it here since my first one in 2019 so at the minute, looks like a little bit worse weather than what we’ve had over the last few years, but I am excited. It’s one of my favourite tracks of the season. So, I am happy to get going.”
