Formula 1 (F1) drivers will have more than just the Marina Bay Street Circuit to contend with this weekend, as the heat and worsening haze pose additional challenges at the Singapore Grand Prix.
On Thursday (8 Oct), the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) declared a heat hazard for both the Sprint and Race during the 9 to 11 Oct event.
It marks the second consecutive year that the heat hazard regulations have been activated at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, the FIA has warned that some outdoor activities, including entertainment, could face restrictions if the haze worsens, although the race itself is not expected to be affected.
Source: @f1 on Instagram
In a notice issued to all teams and officials on Thursday, FIA F1 Race Director Rui Marques cited a weather forecast indicating that the Heat Index would exceed 31°C at some point during the Sprint or Race.
This meets the criteria for a Heat Hazard declaration under Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 Regulations.
Source: @f1nightrace on Instagram
The declaration means teams must introduce additional safeguards to prevent drivers from overheating during the event.
These include installing functional Driver Cooling System hardware, which pumps chilled fluid through tubing in a specially designed fireproof vest.
To accommodate the equipment, minimum car weight limits are increased by 2kg during practice and qualifying, and by 5kg for the race.
Source: @f1nightrace on Instagram
While drivers are not required to wear the cooling vest, those who choose not to must carry an additional 0.5kg of ballast in the cockpit.
The heat hazard rules were first put into effect at Singapore’s 2025 Grand Prix.
They have since also been activated at the 2025 United States Grand Prix, the Austrian Grand Prix in June 2026, the Italian Grand Prix in September, and last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang in Malaysia.
Beyond the heat, Singapore’s ongoing haze could also make for an uncomfortable weekend for drivers and spectators.
Source: @eric_tipan on Instagram
As of 1pm on Thursday, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) stood at 154 in the west, the highest among Singapore’s five regions.
Readings elsewhere ranged from 108 to 140, also falling within the unhealthy band of 101 to 200.
Singapore has experienced intermittent haze since early September, with air quality occasionally reaching unhealthy levels in several areas.
The hazy conditions are expected to persist through the race weekend.
Despite the poor air quality, the FIA does not expect the haze to interfere with racing activities at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
An FIA spokesperson said local authorities are monitoring pollution levels, with contingency measures already in place. The organisation is also working with them to protect the health of F1 teams.
However, there could be “some restrictions” on outdoor activities, including entertainment, if conditions deteriorate further.
The FIA did not specify the air quality levels that would trigger such measures.
Source: @f1nightrace on Instagram
Meanwhile, according to The Straits Times, Singapore GP organisers said they would consult the relevant agencies before making any changes to the event if the haze affects visibility, public health, or operations.
Contingency plans are also in place, including making N95 masks available on-site if needed.
This is not the first time organisers have had to prepare for haze during the Singapore Grand Prix.
In 2019, first aid stations were placed on standby to assist spectators affected by the haze. N95 masks were also made available to vulnerable groups, with other spectators able to purchase them if pollution reached specified levels.
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Featured image adapted from @f1 on Instagram and @eric_tipan on Instagram.