Austrian Grand Prix is declared F1 heat-hazard race amid European heatwave

Teams must fit a driver cooling system for race

First time heat hazard has been declared this season

Formula One’s governing body has declared a heat ⁠hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg’s Red ⁠Bull Ring ⁠this ​weekend, the first time this season that the designation has ⁠been used.

The race director, Rui Marques, said the official weather service ⁠forecasts temperatures in excess of 31C during the race. Declaring a heat ‌hazard requires teams to fit a ‌driver cooling system, such as a liquid-cooled vest, though drivers are not obliged to use them and can take a ballast penalty instead.