Air conditioning for F1 drivers: first FIA test to take place at Zandvoort
07/23/2024 03:18 AM
The Losail Nightmare
The Hungarian Grand Prix is historically recognized by drivers as one of the most physically challenging events, mainly due to the high temperatures traditionally present at the Hungaroring during the summer. It is an arduous challenge, but not as severe as the one faced by drivers at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix in Losail. Despite the race taking place at night last October, with significantly high temperatures, several drivers had to deal with heat-related issues: Logan Sargeant, for example, retired from the race due to heatstroke, Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet, and Lance Stroll briefly lost consciousness.
Air conditioning in the Netherlands
A controversial race that pushed the FIA not only to launch investigations but also to start studying solutions to prevent such incidents in the future. A promise that the International Federation has kept, not only with the addition of air intakes already introduced for the hottest GPs but also, and more importantly, with the announcement of new climate control systems positioned around the cockpit to direct cool air towards the drivers. The first test will be conducted on a car during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend and, if subsequent experiments are successful, this system will be introduced into the Formula 1 technical regulations.
An indication provided by the FIA with these statements: “In response to the extreme temperatures recorded at last year's Qatar GP, the FIA and all F1 teams immediately initiated research to improve driver ventilation and cooling in such conditions. Since then, the technical regulations have been updated to allow the introduction of a passive duct on the top of the cockpit to improve ventilation, which teams are strongly encouraged to use. These joint research activities have progressed and focused on developing an active cooling system to be installed on F1 cars in extreme conditions. Initial tests and proof of concept in situ are scheduled for Zandvoort and the upcoming races. If these tests are successful, the FIA will mandate the installation of this active cooling system on Formula 1 cars in the future, when a heat risk is declared.”
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