'Heat hazard' at Singapore GP means F1 drivers must decide on cooling vests

Sport

'Heat hazard' at Singapore GP means F1 drivers must decide on cooling vests

2025-10-02 21:39 Last Updated At：21:40

SINGAPORE (AP) — This week's Singapore Grand Prix has been declared a “heat hazard,” meaning cars must carry cooling equipment though drivers don't have to use it. It's the first time the rule has been used in Formula 1.

Race director Rui Marques made the decision on Thursday because the temperature is forecast to be above 31 degrees (88 F) during the race weekend.

The temperature in the F1 website forecast for Saturday is 32 C, rising to 33 C on Sunday. Inside the car, it can get much hotter.

Under new rules for 2025, governing body the FIA introduced cooling vests for drivers which pump fluid around a network of tubes in the vest.

“It’s good, and when you’re racing in 90% humidity and cockpits are getting on for 60 degrees (Celsius), it’s a bit of a sauna inside the car,” said Mercedes driver George Russell, who’s used the system voluntarily at other F1 events.

Russell said the vest can be uncomfortable when a high-speed corner pushes the tubes against his ribs. He admitted he's still “not 100%” after illness at the last race in Azerbaijan, too.

“If it was any other race, I wouldn’t have a single shred of concern,” he said. “Singapore being Singapore and the obvious challenges here, I’m sure it will be fine, but Sunday won’t be a breeze.”

Drivers don't have to use the system but can't save weight by leaving it out.

Even drivers who don't wear the vest must have some cooling system equipment fitted in the car, along with ballast to compensate for the weight of the vest.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc said he hadn't decided whether to use the vest, arguing conditions would be similar to last year's Singapore race, and therefore “doable.”

The vest is “something we’ll consider and keep in our mind throughout free practice in case it’s way too warm,” he said.

The FIA started work on cooling technology for drivers after the Qatar Grand Prix in 2023 saw drivers require medical attention after feeling unwell in the heat.

Singapore is a notoriously tough race for F1 drivers because of the heat and humidity on the street circuit, even though the race is held at night. In the past, F1 drivers have said the Singapore heat makes their in-car drinking water supplies uncomfortable to drink, some likening it to hot tea.

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Scotland marks 28-year World Cup absence with 1-0 victory over Haiti in Group C

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Coach Steve Clarke made it clear he didn't enjoy his first two experiences leading Scotland during lackluster showings in the European Championship.

So far the sport's biggest stage has brought him — and the Scots — a lot more luck.

John McGinn deflected a shot off an opposing defender and past goalkeeper Johny Placide in the 28th minute, and Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 in Group C of the World Cup on Saturday.

“When it went into the back of the net, you could feel the Scotland fans,” McGinn said.

Scotland, making its first appearance in the tournament since 1998, earned its first World Cup victory since 1990, when it beat Sweden 2-1.

“We came here to get three points. We did and now we move on,” Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson said.

Getting those crucial points did a lot more than that.

Group favorites Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw earlier in the day, putting Scotland at the top of the group standings.

“We obviously have a little less pressure than everyone put on us in this game," Clarke said. “They deserve to be the team that finally got in under their belt in the World Cup.”

Haiti, whose only other World Cup appearance was in West Germany in 1974, is still in search of its first World Cup point. The Grenadiers had multiple chances in the second half but couldn't quite equalize.

"We’re playing at an extremely high level. But you can get punished with one oversight,” Haiti coach Sébastien Migné said.

McGinn’s goal came off a rebound from Che Adams’ miss in the box that bounced off Placide and into open space. McGinn’s shot ricocheted off a defender from 13 yards out.

Scotland’s Tartan Army supporters were out in mass, creating a wave of red inside a filled in Gillette Stadium, located about 30 miles outside Boston.

Scotland came close to a goal in the 17th minute when captain Scott McTominay got loose and fired a shot that clipped the top of the post.

Haiti had its best opportunities in the second half. In the 74th minute, Ruben Providence sent a cross in to Wilson Isidor, but the forward came up empty on his attempt to direct the ball in.

Then in the 84th, Frantzdy Pierrot, who moved from Haiti to Boston at the age of 11, hit a header that went a wide of the left side.

Scotland stays in town to play Morocco at Gillette Stadium on Friday. Haiti will next face Brazil on Friday in Philadelphia.

AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup