Frenchman esteban ocon

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Formula 1’s governing body has declared this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix a “heat hazard” race, the first time a race has carried that designation since the new regulations were introduced this year.

The ruling, announced by the FIA, was triggered by forecasts predicting temperatures above 31°C in Singapore’s humid tropical climate. The decision means all teams must install cooling-vest systems in their cars, although use by drivers will not be mandatory. The measure is designed to prevent any competitive advantage if some drivers choose to race without the additional weight of the system.

Singapore has long been considered one of the toughest venues on the F1 calendar due to its relentless heat, high humidity, the bumpy Marina Bay street circuit, and the length of the race, which typically runs close to the two-hour maximum.