Singapore GP declared F1’s first ‘heat hazard’ race

Singapore GP declared F1’s first ‘heat hazard’ race

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Grand Prix of Singapore

3 to 5 October, starting at 13:00 BST on Sunday.

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Formula 1’s governing body has declared this weekend’s Grand Prix of Singapore a ‘heat hazard’ race.

Drivers may be using cooling vests during the race because of the FIA’s decision, which was brought on by forecasts exceeding 31C in the tropical environment.

Teams must fit the vests into their cars to prevent any drivers who don’t use them from benefitting from having a lighter car from wearing them, though it’s not required.

The Grand Prix of Singapore marks the first time a race has been designated as a heat hazard under a new rule that was introduced this year.

Drivers have used the vests before, but teams have been testing them intermittently throughout the year.

The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) director, George Russell of Mercedes, tested it out in Bahrain earlier this year, and he said, “Not everyone finds the top comfortable, but I think some people find it more comfortable than others, and of course you’ll be able to adjust it to your own preferences over time.

Carlos Sainz, a GPDA director, said the FIA’s decision to declare a heat hazard was “fair.”

Only hot, according to Sachin, is not bad for us. For instance, Hungary has extreme heat but it’s not humid, as we have it.

If it’s not too hot, then hummus is not all bad on its own. However, it’s difficult when it’s 28 degrees and 30 degrees plus humid.

What led to the introduction of the heat hazard rule?

After the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, when several drivers were in danger of collapse due to heat and humidity, the idea of a driver-cooling system was brought up.

After the race, several drivers needed medical attention, including Williams driver Logan Sargeant who couldn’t stand the conditions, and Frenchman Esteban Ocon who vomited in his helmet.

The drivers’ reactions to the vests have been mixed, with some saying they’re uncomfortable and not very effective.

Every time we run it, Sainz said, “teams are able to make it work better and better.” We initially had it work for about a half-hour or so. Hopefully, the entire system will continue to function at least for an hour.

It’s a two-hour race, they say. In Singapore, I’ve done it ten times. I’m not concerned if it malfunctions or doesn’t work. I’ll complete the race and emerge from the water as always. However, if it works, it’s better because you’ll suffer a little less.

Sainz claimed to have used the system for 15-20 minutes during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this year.

What is the operation of the system?

Overheating is a serious issue because drivers are wearing several layers of fireproof clothing in addition to a balaclava and helmet in an F1 car, which can reach temperatures of more than 40C.

A pump-powered tube serves as a source of cooling liquid for the driver, who is wearing a fireproof vest.

The system should operate throughout the entire race, according to the rules, but not every team has succeeded in keeping it running for that long.

And the problem is that when the system stops working, the drivers become hotter than they could otherwise be.

Because the cooling system’s vest is an insulator, the liquid can end up hotter than the car’s ambient temperature.

Depending on the individual cars, teams have taken various approaches to the system’s design and fitting.

Some places have installed the cooling system and pump inside the chassis, while others are located next to the cockpit and others are located behind it.

Russell claimed that the vest’s front and back tubes are connected and that “you can feel these tubes on the side of your ribs when you go through high-speed corners in the G-force.”

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Source: BBC

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