With cockpit temperatures reaching up to 120°F during some Formula 1 races, driver cooling has become a critical issue. So for the next season, will there be air conditioning in F1 cockpit?
After the grueling Qatar Grand Prix in 2023, the FIA made decisions that could transform racing conditions starting in 2025. Here’s a look at these new measures, from grid adjustments to changes in the budget cap.
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Driver cooling: a priority for the FIA
The issue of heat management in Formula 1 surged after the Qatar race, where several drivers experienced severe heat exhaustion. In response, the FIA and F1 teams worked together to find a cooling solution for the driver. Forget standard air conditioning systems, as these would be too heavy and complex for an F1 car. The adopted solution will be a simplified cooling kit, activated only in extreme heat conditions. This means that cars might gain a bit of weight when this system is installed, but drivers will finally have an effective way to handle races in extreme temperatures.
A better adjusted starting grid
Besides the extreme cockpit temperatures in F1 cars, the FIA has been working on other issues that have recently come to light. The Brazilian Grand Prix highlighted a problem in grid management. When Alex Albon had to withdraw from his seventh-place spot due to a crash, the FIA couldn’t rearrange the grid in time, leaving a gap. This kind of situation will now be avoided thanks to a change in grid formation rules. Going forward, the final car placement will be set one hour before the race. So, if a car withdraws up to 75 minutes before the start, the cars behind can reposition to fill the empty spaces. This simplified protocol will ensure a more consistent grid and a better experience for fans.
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Budget cap adjustments for sustainability
The FIA also used the latest meeting to review financial rules. Starting in 2025, certain expenses related to sustainability initiatives will no longer count toward the budget cap. This will allow teams to fund projects aimed at reducing their environmental impact without risking overspending. This new exception is a step toward F1’s goal of becoming a more sustainable sport, paving the way for eco-friendly R&D projects without compromising team competitiveness. As we know, Formula 1 is moving towards a more sustainable competition, but until now, teams have struggled to work on projects that could stretch their already tight budgets. At the end of the season, many teams, including Williams and Red Bull Racing, are already close to hitting the budget cap, so it’s understandable that their priority isn’t working on additional projects. Now, it will be possible—great decision!
This article explores the FIA’s new cooling system for F1 drivers in extreme heat, recent changes to grid protocols for a fairer starting lineup, and budget cap adjustments that support sustainability efforts in Formula 1.
Images: Red Bull Content pool
