The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has officially declared the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza a heat hazard race as temperatures are expected to exceed 31°C during the event weekend. The ruling was announced on September 3, ahead of the race scheduled for September 6, marking the second heat hazard designation of the 2026 Formula One season after the Austrian Grand Prix in June [1, 2, 3] [4, 1, 2, 3, 5].
Race Director Rui Marques confirmed that "temperatures in excess of 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) had been forecast" for the race, with peak temperatures predicted to reach 33°C on race day [1] [5]. Ambient heat combined with drivers' multi-layer fireproof clothing can push cockpit temperatures above 40°C, heightening the risk of overheating [4] [5].
Under the heat hazard ruling, teams are permitted to equip drivers with liquid-cooled vests circulating glycol or similar coolants beneath their race overalls to help manage body temperature [4, 1, 2, 3, 5]. Drivers who choose not to use the cooling system must carry 5 kilograms of ballast in their cars to offset any advantage gained by racing without the cooling gear [4, 1, 2, 3, 5] [4, 5].
Opinions among drivers are mixed regarding the cooling vests. Some find the gear awkward and uncomfortable, while others report issues like the coolant running out before the race concludes [4] [5].
The heat hazard declaration is based on Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 Regulations, triggered by the official weather service forecast predicting the heat index will exceed 31°C during the race [5].
The Italian Grand Prix is the 13th round of the 2026 season. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, aged 20, currently leads the championship ahead of his home race [1, 2, 3].
The race is set to take place at Monza on September 6, with teams preparing to adapt strategies and equipment to manage the challenging heat conditions [3].
