The United States Grand Prix is scheduled for the upcoming weekend, but it’s not just the on-track battle that the FIA is monitoring. The organization is considering assigning the race in Austin an official ‘heat hazard’ label, as extremely high temperatures are once again predicted for a Formula 1 race weekend.
During the race weekend in Texas, temperatures can rise above 32 degrees Celsius. Combined with the demanding nature of the Circuit of the Americas – with its long, fast corners and significant elevation changes – this poses a serious physical strain on the drivers. The FIA only issues such a heat warning if the temperature during a race weekend exceeds 31 degrees. Once the label is assigned, teams are required to install the cooling system for the special cooling vests in the cars – regardless of whether the drivers actually wear the vest or not.
Lessons from Singapore
If the warning is indeed issued, the drivers will once again face an important choice: do they brave the heat, or opt to wear the cooling vest? This consideration was already a factor during the previous race weekend in Singapore, where several drivers tested the vest for the first time. The system works with tubes through which a coolant flows, designed to actively cool the body during the sessions.
However, opinions on the cooling vest vary. Many drivers find it impractical and uncomfortable. Max Verstappen stated after the race in Singapore that he is not a fan of the tubes running over your body. He also believes that wearing the cooling vest should primarily remain a personal choice and not become an obligation. Oscar Piastri was slightly more lenient: he sees the benefits, but warned that a failing system can actually have the opposite effect. Nico Hülkenberg, on the other hand, is enthusiastic; according to the German, the vest helps him feel fresher and fitter after the race.
