2025 F1 Season: Newcastle Beach Hero Wins Drenched Melbourne Race Amid New Super Hot Health Risks

McLaren’s Lando Norris Wins Wild Opening Race

The first Formula 1 race of 2025—a wet and wild Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne—saw Lando Norris of McLaren claim a thrilling victory. Despite a relatively cool Sunday afternoon, the heat within the cars proved to be a significant challenge for the drivers. To counteract this, a new rule introduced in 2025 mandates cooling systems for Formula 1 cars on days deemed heat hazards.

Why Was the Cooling System Implemented?

The cutting-edge cooling systems are designed to mitigate the extreme heat that can reach temperatures of up to 60°C in the cars, which is crucial to driver safety and well-being.
Justin Holland, an exercise physiologist at Queensland University of Technology, underscores the importance of controlling cockpit temperatures.

Extreme Heat Dangers

The Qatar Grand Prix of 2023 illustrated how even night races can pose significant heat challenges. Track temperatures hovered around 36°C, and the humidity was high, proving that drivers face substantial physical risks. Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet during the race, while Lance Stroll admitted feeling like he would faint. This highlights the urgent need for new safety measures.

Heat and Fatigue

The combination of extreme heat, sweat, and dehydration not only increases fatigue but can also lead to potentially dangerous situations for drivers. Justin Holland explains that even cooler days in a Formula 1 car can result in mid-30s temperatures inside the cockpit, exacerbating the already stressful conditions.

Testing and Declaring a Heat Hazard

If the forecast for a Formula 1 competition on race day is expected to reach 31°C or if the race director declares a “heat hazard,” cars must now be equipped with special cooling systems. This system, effective from 2025, consists of a set of components like a condensation unit and a cooling vest. However, additional factors such as humidity, wind speed, and direct sunlight must also be managed for optimal driver performance.

Cool down clothes

From 2026, wearing the cooling vest will become mandatory during declared heat hazard races.

Hurtling at High Speeds

Besides the heat, drivers face the formidable challenge of G-forces, which are the gravitational forces equivalent to driving at high speeds. Whether accelerating, braking, or navigating corners, drivers experience immense physical strain. When a Formula 1 car speeds through sweeping corners, it generates up to 5G of force, making drivers feel like they’re being pushed back in their seat.

2026 Rule Change

In 2026, Formula 1 cars will be lighter and more agile, increasing the physical and cognitive demands on drivers. This new regulation means cars will not only be faster on straights but also turn more rapidly, significantly increasing the physical risk to drivers. Consequently, driver training must focus on building strength, stamina, and mental fortitude to face these intensified demands.