Overview

• FIA Race Director Rui Marques declared a heat hazard after the official forecast predicted a heat index above 31°C during the sprint or Grand Prix, marking a second straight event under the protocol.
• All cars must be fitted with the cooling kit, and the minimum weight increases by 5 kg to 805 kg.
• Drivers who choose not to wear the cooling vest must carry an additional 0.5 kg ballast to remove any competitive advantage.
• Forecasts indicate about 33°C on Friday practice, 34°C for Saturday’s sprint, and 31°C on Sunday at Circuit of the Americas.
• The FIA intends to mandate vest use from 2026, a plan some drivers oppose due to reported cockpit discomfort.