FIA declares Austrian GP heat-hazard race

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, has declared a heat hazard for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, marking the first time the safety protocol has been activated this season and the first for a European race. The declaration, made on Thursday, June 25, triggers specific regulations designed to protect drivers from extreme temperatures forecast to exceed 31 degrees Celsius during Sunday's race at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

Race director Rui Marques formally notified teams of the designation, citing a forecast from the official weather service that the heat index would surpass the 31.0 C threshold. Ambient air temperatures are projected to reach the mid-to-high 30s Celsius on race day, with track surface temperatures potentially soaring past 50 degrees. The conditions are part of a broader heatwave affecting Europe, which has seen record June temperatures in several countries.

The heat hazard framework was introduced in 2025 following the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers required medical attention for heat-related issues. The Austrian Grand Prix becomes only the third race to receive the designation, after the Singapore and United States Grands Prix last year.