– In Italy, summer is far from over. Temperatures are rising significantly again. In the coming days, a sixth heatwave is expected in this unusually hot summer of 2026.
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The region around Milan and the Monza Circuit is particularly affected, where temperatures of more than 35 degrees Celsius are expected over the weekend. This has prompted the FIA to activate its official heat protocol for the Italian Grand Prix. The basis for this is Article B1.5.10 of the regulations.
The FIA justifies the decision with a corresponding weather forecast from the official weather service: “According to Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 regulations, a heat warning is issued after the official weather service has transmitted a forecast that the heat index will exceed 31.0 degrees at a certain time during the competition at this event.”
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With this official declaration, an additional measure to protect the drivers is activated. The drivers have the choice to wear a special cooling vest or to forgo the vest. In the case of forgoing, a corresponding additional weight of 0.5 kilograms will be attached to the Formula 1 car.
Cooling vest remains voluntary despite FIA plans
Originally, the FIA had planned to make the use of cooling vests mandatory for the drivers. However, after resistance from the driver field, the decision remains with the pilots. There are concerns especially regarding the comfort of wearing and the practical effectiveness of the system.
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For the drivers, the heat in Monza could still become a significant additional burden. According to the official FIA weather service, temperatures on all three days of the Grand Prix weekend will significantly exceed the heat protocol relevant mark of 31 degrees Celsius.
Already on Friday, the thermometer is expected to rise to up to 36 degrees Celsius during the second free practice. For qualifying on Saturday, 35 degrees are expected.
Also on race Sunday, no cooling is in sight. The start of the Italian Grand Prix is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. local time. At this time, temperatures of about 33 degrees Celsius are expected around the track.
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This means that the drivers in Monza face not only a sporting challenge. The combination of high temperatures, physical strain, and the conditions in the cockpit is likely to make the weekend a real heat battle.
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