F1 drivers are expected to race in all weather, including rain, wind, and heat. However, the heat can sometimes be too strong for drivers, as experienced at the Qatar Grand Prix in 2023. The teams spoke with FIA and F1 to introduce a cooling measure to help drivers’ health in extreme heat conditions.
An initial proposal was that an air-conditioning unit would be added to the car. However, after vigorous testing, a new idea has been approved by the FIA in cases where extreme heat is declared.
FIA approves new cooling system amid driver health concerns in F1
The call to approve a cooling system came after the Qatar Grand Prix in 2023. Many drivers fell ill after racing in extreme heat. The new cooling system will aim to reduce heat in the cockpit when heat is a medical danger.
These methods include blowing cool air on the drivers and increasing cooling spaces in the car around the cockpit. However, the new device will not count towards the minimum weight as there will be adjustments to account for the system. The “driver cooling kits” will be introduced from next season.
🚨| Formula 1 has announced a cooling system which will be introduced for the 2025 season.
This was requested by teams and drivers following the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix and the proposed systems have been approved#F1 #Formula1
📸@telegraaf pic.twitter.com/FPvUplQn2G
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) November 14, 2024
This is a good move by the FIA who are always trying to improve the safety of the drivers. Back in 2018, the halo was implemented in F1 cars to stop injuries to drivers. It was shown to work most notably in 2021 when Max Verstappen’s car landed on Lewis Hamilton’s and the Brit walked away uninjured.
What happened at the 2023 Qatar GP to call for the changes?
Following the Qatar Grand Prix, many drivers complained of discomfort following a race where the cockpit temperature was around 50 degrees Celsius. Lance Stroll complained about dizziness, while Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet. Alex Albon was evaluated for acute heat exposure, while Logan Sergent pulled out of the race due to intense dehydration.
⚠️ Wow, Lance Stroll walked straight away to ambulance in the pit lane, probably disoriented. Watch the video 🎥
Alex Albon was taken to the medical centre of #QatarGP because of exhaustion and heat exposure.
Lando Norris said several drivers have passed out there.
Ocon said… pic.twitter.com/XMIe6Y7nrD
— Maxx | F1newsletter.com (@F1_Newsletter) October 8, 2023
Mercedes driver George Russel said after that race: “It was an absolutely brutal race, by far the most physical I have ever experienced. I felt close to fainting. I felt ill during this race. It was insane how hot it was. It was like you were inside an oven.”
This was backed up by three-time world champion Max Verstappen, who claimed the temperatures they were racing in were “too extreme.” The measure by F1 and FIA to bring in the cooling system will be great news for the drivers and teams.
