F1 | Heat alert in Austria: Cooling vest or ballast for drivers
The European heatwave has reached Formula 1, prompting the FIA to issue its first official heat alert of the 2026 season ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. With ambient temperatures expected to climb above 31°C at the Red Bull Ring, drivers will be given a choice: wear the new cooling vest system or carry additional ballast if they decide not to use it.
The measure has been introduced to improve driver safety in extreme conditions, following the lessons learned from previous Grands Prix held in exceptionally hot weather.
FIA activates the heat protocol
The intense heat affecting much of Europe has already pushed temperatures well above seasonal averages in countries like France, Germany and Italy. Austria has also experienced record-breaking June temperatures, with forecasts predicting more than 30°C throughout the Formula 1 weekend at Spielberg.
As a result, the FIA has activated its high-temperature protocol, introducing additional cooling measures designed to protect drivers during Sunday’s race: “In accordance with Article B1.5.10 of the FIA Formula 1 Regulations, having received a forecast from the Official Weather Service indicating that the Heat Hazard Index will exceed 31.0°C at some point during the race for this event, a Heat Hazard is hereby declared,” the FIA stated in its official announcement.
How the cooling system works
The current cooling system was developed following the extreme conditions experienced during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers required medical attention after the race due to the combination of excessive heat and humidity.
The system consists of a compact cooling unit installed inside the car that chills a circulating liquid. That liquid is then pumped through a network of small tubes integrated into the driver’s fireproof undershirt, helping to reduce body temperature throughout the race. Although the installation process has become simpler under the 2026 technical regulations—partly thanks to the removal of the external battery previously required to power the system—it still takes time for teams to fit the equipment. For that reason, the FIA cannot wait until race day before making a decision and instead relies on official weather forecasts to notify teams well in advance.
According to the FIA’s official weather provider, temperatures are expected to exceed the 31°C threshold on both Saturday and Sunday, with ambient highs of around 33°C. Cockpit temperatures will naturally be significantly higher.
Not every driver likes the cooling vest
Despite the safety benefits, not all Formula 1 drivers are comfortable using the cooling system.
Some have complained about pressure points created by the cooling tubes inside the fireproof undershirt, which can become uncomfortable when compressed against the seat during long stints. Manufacturers are already developing revised versions that relocate the tubing to the shoulders and legs in an effort to improve comfort. Other drivers simply believe that the system is unnecessary and prefer to race without it.
Cooling vest or extra ballast
Drivers will therefore be free to choose whether to wear the cooling vest or instead carry an additional 0.5 kg of ballast on their car, ensuring that no competitive advantage is gained by either option.
The FIA had originally planned to make the cooling vest mandatory from the start of the 2026 season. However, after several drivers expressed concerns regarding both comfort and effectiveness, the governing body decided to keep its use optional.
Outside the cockpit, many familiar cooling solutions will continue to be used throughout the weekend. Drivers are once again expected to wear dry-ice cooling vests before sessions, while those sponsored by Adidas will also have access to the German manufacturer’s innovative cooling jacket, which uses an advanced internal ventilation system to help lower body temperature before climbing into the car.
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