FIA Declares Heat Hazard for Monza as Forecasts Predict Mid‑30s Temperatures
The Heat Hazard declaration aims to reduce heat stress through approved cooling gear coupled with mandatory medical screening.
Overview
- The FIA has activated its Heat Hazard protocol for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, approving measures to limit heat stress for drivers and paddock staff.
- Weather models forecast a dry Monza weekend with ambient highs around 32–34°C and substantially hotter track temperatures that teams expect will raise tyre wear and surface grip loss.
- Permitted mitigation includes grid fans, ice vests and shade structures plus an FIA‑approved driver cooling vest that circulates chilled fluid, with drivers who decline the vest required to carry ballast to offset any weight difference.
- The protocol makes post‑session medical checks mandatory and sets up dedicated cooling areas immediately after track running to monitor and treat anyone showing heat symptoms.
- Variable wind directions are expected to change session‑to‑session, altering headwind and tailwind patterns into braking zones such as Rettifilo, Curva Grande, Variante della Roggia and Ascari and forcing teams to adjust brake and cooling setups and race strategy.