The FIA has declared the coming United States Grand Prix weekend as a Heat Hazard as Formula 1 drivers are set to endure searing temperatures in Austin.
Following the classification of the Singapore Grand Prix as a”Heat Hazard event, the teams were forced to fit cooling measures to the cars ahead of the race.
Whilst the measures and optional cooling vest provided light reprieve, cockpit temperatures were still in excess of 40c, drivers losing up to six kilos in body weight.
Leaving the heat of Singapore behind, drivers and teams would naturally hope for a rest-bite as F1 returns to a more temperate climate in the United States.
But it is once again set to test F1 drivers to the limit this weekend in Austin, if the BBC’s weather predictions prove accurate, with extreme conditions prevailing.
Temperatures will hit 35c on Friday, with the challenge of gusts into the near vertical Turn 1 forcing more concentration from the drivers on their qualifying laps.
Gusts will also test drivers through the fast-flowing esses of Sector 1, and when combined with heat, will act as a mistake generator for those lacking confidence.
Whilst this will dissipate for Saturday, gusts will then feature at the end of the long back straight into braking for Turn 12, temperatures peaking at 35c.
Temperatures will cool by three degrees on race day, but drivers will once again face gusts into the hairpin, this time north easterly, putting pressure on drivers when braking.
Humidity is expected to be around 25 per cent during the weekend, but this will be little comfort to the drivers as they prepare to endure extreme weather for the second time in two weeks.
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