The FIA has taken unprecedented action ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, invoking a never-before-used regulation to address extreme weather conditions. With the season entering its decisive phase, Formula 1 now heads to the Marina Bay Street Circuit under the looming threat of both heavy thunderstorms and blistering heat, conditions that could reshape the outcome of the race weekend.
The move comes after Max Verstappen’s resurgence, with consecutive victories narrowing the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri, who endured a disastrous outing in Baku. The Australian crashed in qualifying, jumped the start on race day, and retired on lap one, leaving Lando Norris unable to maximize the opportunity. The title battle has tightened, but Singapore presents new hazards far beyond on-track rivalries.
Singapore’s monsoon season has already raised concerns over heavy rain and storms, yet it is the searing heat that has triggered FIA intervention. Last year’s race saw both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell suffering from near heatstroke, with behind-the-scenes footage capturing Russell struggling to breathe. With forecasts predicting temperatures above 31°C, the FIA officially declared a “heat hazard” under Article 26.19 of the Sporting Regulations—a first in the sport’s history.
The ruling mandates adjustments for teams and drivers. A new cooling vest, designed to circulate chilled liquid through tubes in the driver’s suit, was initially planned as compulsory above the 31°C threshold. However, after pushback from several drivers, the FIA revised the rule: the vest is now optional, but any driver who refuses to wear it will have to carry an additional 0.5kg of ballast inside the cockpit to balance conditions.
The FIA’s emergency measure reflects growing concern for driver safety amid intensifying climates at race venues. With Singapore’s notorious humidity set to test physical endurance as much as racing skill, the upcoming Grand Prix will challenge teams not only to manage strategy and pace but also to navigate the brutal demands of survival in extreme conditions. The declaration marks a turning point in how Formula 1 confronts environmental threats that directly influence competition.
