The FIA has declared a heat hazard for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, triggering additional measures for F1 drivers ahead of Sunday's race at Sepang International Circuit.
The governing body confirmed the decision under Article B1.5.10 of the 2026 F1 Sporting Regulations after the Official Weather Service forecast a Heat Index above 31.0°C during the race.
The declaration means teams must fit the components of the Driver Cooling System to their cars, with the system functional and available for use during the race.
Drivers can choose not to wear the cooling equipment itself, although additional ballast is then required. A five-kilogram Heat Hazard Mass Increase also applies for the race.
The measures are particularly significant at Sepang, which presents one of F1's most demanding combinations of heat, humidity and sustained high-speed running.
The 5.543-kilometre circuit features long straights, heavy braking zones and fast, flowing corners, requiring drivers to work hard physically while coping with the effects of Malaysia's tropical climate.
Sepang is often described as a complete test, with its heat and humidity adding significantly to the challenge.
The circuit's weather can also change rapidly, with thunderstorms and heavy rain capable of arriving at short notice.
F1's heat-hazard regulations were introduced following the extreme conditions at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers suffered from heat exhaustion. The cooling system uses a chilled fluid circulated through equipment incorporated into the driver's protective clothing.
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