Overview
- The designation was made under Article 26.19 after official forecasts showed the heat index exceeding 31°C during the sprint or the grand prix at COTA.
- Temperatures are expected to peak around 34–35°C on Saturday and about 31°C on Sunday under sunny, dry conditions.
- All cars must be equipped with the cooling hardware, and any driver choosing not to wear the vest must carry 0.5kg of ballast in the cockpit.
- Driver feedback remains split after Singapore trials, with Max Verstappen citing discomfort and tight cockpit packaging, while George Russell and others reported benefits.
- The FIA plans further driver briefings and a medical review this year as it evaluates a proposal to mandate vest use in heat-hazard events from 2026.