Italian GP declared heat hazard as heatwave hits Monza

The Italian Grand Prix has been officially declared a heat hazard by the FIA, with forecasts predicting temperatures will exceed the safety threshold during Sunday's race at Monza. The declaration, confirmed on Thursday, means teams must equip their cars with the approved Driver Cooling System as another heatwave sweeps northern Italy.

Why it matters:

Driver safety in extreme heat has become a growing focus for F1, particularly after the grueling 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. The heat hazard protocol, introduced in 2025, ensures teams are prepared for cockpit temperatures that can far exceed ambient conditions. With the Italian GP expected to start around 33°C, this weekend will test both machinery and drivers.

The details:

• FIA Race Director Rui Marques confirmed the designation in a note to teams, citing the official forecast predicting a Heat Index above 31.0°C during the race.
• Temperatures are forecast to remain above 30°C all weekend, with Friday and Saturday reaching the mid-30s.
• Cooling system required: Teams must install the FIA-approved Driver Cooling System, which pumps cooled fluid through tubing in a fireproof vest worn under the race suit.
• Optional vest: Drivers are not required to wear the vest. Those who choose to race without it must add 0.5kg of compensatory ballast to their car.
• This is the second heat hazard of the 2026 season, following the Austrian Grand Prix earlier this year.

The big picture:

The protocol was developed in response to the extreme conditions at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where drivers struggled with heat exhaustion. Since its introduction in 2025, the system has been activated at events including Singapore and the United States Grand Prix. Monza now joins that list, highlighting how heat is becoming a recurring factor in F1.

What's next:

With temperatures expected to remain high through the weekend, teams will need to manage driver cooling and hydration carefully. The heat hazard declaration keeps the option open for drivers to use the cooling vest, but the final decision will depend on individual preference and physical condition. Sunday's race is set to be a physical test for the grid.