The FIA has declared a Heat Hazard for this weekend's Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. Drivers will have the option to wear cooling vests or add ballast to their cars as temperatures are forecast to exceed 31C.
The governing body issued the declaration after receiving forecasts from the official weather service that the heat index will surpass 31C during the race. The measure follows Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 Regulations.
Temperatures are expected to reach 32C during FP3 and qualifying on Saturday. Sunday's race, scheduled to start at 3pm local time, could see 33C.
Drivers may choose between wearing a cooling vest or attaching 0.5kg of ballast. The vests were once planned as mandatory but remain optional following driver feedback on comfort and effectiveness.
Mainland Europe is experiencing its first major heatwave of the summer, with Austria among countries setting new June temperature records.
