F1 lets all 22 drivers make last-minute changes for the Austrian GP, and Max Verstappen isn’t happy about it.
The FIA is letting all 22 drivers make a change before the Austrian Grand Prix, and Max Verstappen might not be too happy about it. Since it’s expected to be over 31 degrees Celsius in Spielberg, Austria, the FIA has declared a heat hazard.
Earlier this week, the FIA told SPORTbible that they would decide by Thursday morning (June 25) that drivers can use a special cooling kit. This kit has cooled liquid running through pipes under their fireproof race suits to help keep them cool. While drivers are encouraged to wear it, they don’t have to if they find it uncomfortable. If a driver chooses not to use the kit, their car must carry an extra 0.5kg ballast to keep things fair.
According to the FIA’s rules, drivers who skip the cooling gear still need to have all the other parts fitted. Then, they have to add the 0.5kg weight to balance things out.
Heat hazards like this started in 2025 and were used in the Singapore and United States Grands Prix before, but this is the first time they’ve been declared for a European race. Cockpit temperatures could go over 40 degrees Celsius, and the FIA said the heat will also affect the cars. They explained that high temperatures impact engines, tire wear, and many other factors, so teams will have to adjust accordingly.
Some drivers will probably wear the cooling vests, but Verstappen likely won’t, based on what he said before. Back in 2025, he mentioned that he didn’t use the vest and didn’t plan to because it should be up to each driver. He pointed out that safety is important, but there are other things like pit entries that might need more attention. He also said he doesn’t like how the cooling tubes and belts feel and thinks it should be a personal choice. Plus, he mentioned how tight F1 cockpits are, making it hard to add extra gear like cooling systems. He also noted that dry ice doesn’t last long during the race and that the system can end up circulating hot water after a while.