What cooling equipment will F1 drivers carry at Singapore Grand Prix amid extreme heat

The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix is all set to be held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Sunday, October 5. Ahead of the main event, the Formula 1 governing body, FIA, declared the Singapore GP a “heat hazard.” Teams have been notified of the decision and have been asked to fit a “Driver Cooling System” for the race.

This is the first time the rule has been applied in F1 after the FIA said in 2023 that they would do an analysis into competing in extreme temperatures. This was announced after drivers faced hot and humid conditions under the lights at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.

What is a heat hazard and how does the cooling equipment work?

A heat hazard is declared by the FIA if pre-weekend weather forecasts predict temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius or above. All three days of the Singapore Grand Prix are expected to have temperatures above 30 and high humidity, even though some of the races will happen in the evening.

To help drivers cope with the heat, the FIA introduced cooling system in 2025. The cooling system has several parts, including a pump, pipes, and a thermal tank. Cold fluid from the system is sent to the driver through a special fireproof vest with tubes running through it.

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All the main parts of the system must be installed in the cars this weekend, but drivers can still decide if they want to wear the vest because the design is still being improved. Even if a driver chooses not to wear the vest, the car must still be fitted with cooling equipment.

Meanwhile, the minimum car weight limit of 800kg has been increased by an additional 2kg for practice, Qualifying and Sprint Qualifying sessions, and 5kg for a Sprint or Grand Prix. Teams can race in practice and qualifying with the cooling liquid because of the shorter distance.

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What do drivers feel about the cooling system?

“It’s good, and when you’re racing in 90% humidity and cockpits are getting on for 60 degrees (Celsius), it’s a bit of a sauna inside the car,” Mercedes driver George Russell said.

“If it was any other race, I wouldn’t have a single shred of concern. Singapore being Singapore and the obvious challenges here, I’m sure it will be fine, but Sunday won’t be a breeze,” he added.