Singapore Grand Prix Faces Heat Hazard with New F1 Cooling Measures

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Singapore, Oct 2 (AP) The Singapore Grand Prix this week has been classified as a "heat hazard," necessitating the use of cooling equipment in cars. This marks the first instance of such a rule being implemented in Formula 1.

Race director Rui Marques announced the heat hazard designation on Thursday, prompted by forecasts predicting temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius (88 F) throughout the race weekend. The F1 website projects temperatures of 32 C for Saturday, escalating to 33 C by Sunday.

As part of new regulations set for 2025, the FIA has introduced cooling vests for drivers, which circulate fluid through a network of tubes to provide relief from the heat.

Drivers have the option not to use the vest system, but they are prohibited from reducing vehicle weight by excluding it.

Even if drivers opt not to wear the vest, they must still equip their cars with some form of cooling system and include ballast to balance the vest's weight.

The FIA began its efforts to develop driver cooling technology after several drivers required medical assistance due to heat-related issues at the Qatar Grand Prix in 2023.

Notoriously demanding due to its heat and humidity, the Singapore street circuit poses a significant challenge for F1 drivers, even with the race occurring at night. Historically, drivers have likened the heat of their in-car water supply to drinking hot tea, contributing to the challenge. (AP)

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