The Singapore Grand Prix has been officially declared a heat-hazard race, making it the fourth event this Formula 1 season and the second in a row to receive the designation. This status, introduced in 2025, is triggered when temperatures are forecast to exceed 31C at any point during the race.
The declaration permits teams to install cooling devices in their cars. These systems typically pump a cooled liquid, such as glycol, through a vest worn by the driver under their overalls to help manage cockpit temperatures, which can rise above 40C.
Despite the option, some teams and drivers opt against using the cooling kit due to challenges in keeping the liquid cool for the entire race, especially in Singapore, which hosts the longest race of the year. Additionally, some drivers find the cooling top uncomfortable within the confined cockpit.
Mercedes, for example, has chosen not to implement the system, prioritising car performance development over making the cooling system robust enough for a full race. Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord described the FIA's cost cap allowance for such systems as "small" and insufficient for developing a reliable solution.
Singapore joins the Austrian, Italian, and last weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as races declared heat hazards this year. Singapore is known for its demanding conditions, with temperatures consistently in the 31-33C range and high humidity, even during its night race, where temperatures remain around 30C.