The Italian Grand Prix has been officially declared a heat-hazard race as high temperatures persist in the country following the summer heatwave. This designation is made when temperatures are forecasted to exceed 31C at some point during the race on Sunday.
Ambient temperatures around Monza, north-east of Milan, are anticipated to be in the mid-30C region throughout the weekend. Temperatures peaked at 36C on Wednesday afternoon near Milan's Linate airport.
The ruling allows drivers to utilise a system that flows cooled liquid, such as glycol, through pipes in a fireproof top worn beneath their overalls. While not mandatory, drivers who choose not to use the cooling kit must carry 5kg of ballast in their car to prevent a competitive advantage.
This marks the second race this year to be declared a heat hazard, with the first being Austria earlier in the summer heatwave. Overheating is a significant concern for drivers, with cockpit temperatures potentially exceeding 40C, compounded by multiple layers of fireproof clothing, a balaclava, and a helmet.