The Italian Grand Prix has been declared a heat hazard by the FIA as temperatures soar in Monza.
The heat-hazard declaration comes into play when temperatures are forecast to be more than 31°C at some stage during Sunday’s race.
Monza is set to reach highs of 33°C during the race, meaning the drivers now have the option to wear a specially-designed cooling vest under their overalls, which helps keep their body temperature cooler inside the cockpit.
If they choose not to wear the cooling vest then they will need to carry 5 kilograms of ballast in their car to compensate.
“In accordance with Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 Regulations, having received a forecast from the official weather service predicting that the heat index will be greater than 31°C at some time during the race at this competition, a Heat Hazard is declared,” the FIA stated.
This is the second race this season that has been declared a heat hazard -- the first being at the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of June.
The cooling vest cools the driver with liquids which pump through to the vest through pipes underneath the race overalls.
The drivers have mixed opinions of the vest with some complaining that it’s uncomfortable and awkward, while others have found their coolant has ran out by the time the chequered flag comes.
Temperatures are set to be worse on Friday, reaching highs of 34°C throughout the day and is forecast to be a degree hotter on Saturday.
