It's likely to be a pretty hot weekend for Lewis Hamilton and the rest of the field in Spielberg. © APA / ERWIN SCHERIAU

Formula 1 faces scorching heat in Spielberg: "Not good"

Spielberg (dpa) Expected temperatures of up to 36 degrees will push Formula 1 drivers to their limits at the Austrian Grand Prix.

June 25, 2026

From: dpa/sn

“It’s not nice,” said Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar ahead of Sunday’s race (15.00 p.m.) in Spielberg: “It’s not so bad while driving, we have good air conditioning and an open car. It’s actually worst when the car is stationary.”

The FIA, the governing body of motorsport, has officially classified the Styrian Grand Prix as a race with a high risk of extreme heat. This warning is issued when temperatures exceed 31 degrees Celsius. Both Saturday's qualifying session and the race the following day are expected to be extremely hot. Temperatures behind the wheel can easily reach 40 degrees and higher, forcing drivers to compensate for significant fluid loss.

A special rule allows cooling vests in the cockpit

The new heat management system allows drivers to use a specially designed cooling vest. Cooled fluid is circulated through a system of pipes inside a fireproof vest, which is worn under the racing suit. However, its use is not mandatory. "I don't like it," said Hadjar. The 21-year-old finds the extra components in his cockpit bothersome and will therefore refrain from using it.

The heat isn't a problem for Sergio Perez. "I'm Mexican," he says. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

Austria is the first race this year to be classified as a Grand Prix with a heat risk. "I'm Mexican, it's not that hot for me, and I'm kind of laughing at the Europeans. For me, it's pretty average," said Cadillac driver Sergio Perez. Pierre Gasly of the Alpine team admitted the heat was unpleasant, but the Frenchman said: "I'm prepared for it. We know what to expect."

It has been warmer at Formula 1 races in the past. The heat record of 42,5 degrees Celsius dates back to the 2005 Bahrain Grand Prix.