The Italian Grand Prix has been officially designated a heat-hazard race due to soaring temperatures in the region, following an intense summer heatwave.

A heat hazard is declared when temperatures are expected to exceed 31°C during the race, which is scheduled for Sunday. Forecasts predict that ambient temperatures around Monza, located northeast of Milan, will hover in the mid-30s°C throughout the weekend, even peaking at 36°C on Wednesday afternoon near Milan's Linate airport.

This ruling allows drivers to utilize a cooling system that circulates chilled liquid, such as glycol, through pipes in a fireproof top worn beneath their overalls. While this cooling kit is not mandatory, drivers opting out must carry an additional 5kg of ballast in their cars to maintain competitive fairness.

Notably, Italy marks the second race this year labeled as a heat hazard, following Austria earlier in the summer. Some drivers express reluctance to use the cooling kit due to discomfort and potential issues with coolant depletion before the race concludes.

Cockpit temperatures can soar above 40°C, compounded by the multiple layers of fireproof clothing, balaclava, and helmet that drivers must wear, making overheating a critical concern. The FIA’s decision aims to mitigate these risks as racers gear up for a challenging race weekend.