Formula 1’s governing body has issued a ‘Heat Hazard’ for the first time ever ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.Race director Rui Marques sent a release to all ten teams and all officials warning of temperatures over 31 degrees at the usually sweltering Marina Bay street circuit.Drivers are already feeling the Singapore heat before getting in their carsGetty The guideline brings into effect a number of safety measures including ensuring that all components of a Driver Cooling System are fitted correctly.The statement read: “Note to teams. In accordance with Article 26.19 of the Sporting Regulations, having received a forecast from the Official Weather Service predicting that the Heat Index will be greater than 31.0 degrees at some time during the race at this event, a Heat Hazard is declared.”Singapore is one of the most challenging races in F1 history with humidity over 90 per cent, cockpit temperatures of over 60 degrees and race times often over two hours due to safety car stoppages.Why has F1 brought in a Heat Hazard?However, it wasn’t this track that provoked a change in the regulations, but Qatar in 2023.A drenched Lance Stroll said he was ‘passing out’ with low blood pressure and dizziness at the Losail circuit, while American driver Logan Sargeant even retired as he couldn’t handle the conditions.Esteban Ocon vomited in his helmet, while Alex Albon had to head to the medical centre to be treated for ‘acute heat exposure’.In response F1’s governing body, the FIA, issued a statement noting their concern for the wellbeing of their drivers.They added: “While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardise their health or safety. “With matters relating to safety such as circuit infrastructure and car safety requirements, the FIA will take all reasonable measures to establish and communicate acceptable parameters in which Competitions are held.“As such, the FIA has begun an analysis into the situation in Qatar to provide recommendations for future situations of extreme weather conditions. The FIA issued the statement to teams and staff across the paddock“It should be noted that while next year’s edition of the Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled later in the year, when temperatures are expected to be lower, the FIA prefers to take material action now to avoid a repeat of this scenario.”New regulations in place for hot Grand PrixThe 2024 Singapore Grand Prix saw Mercedes’ George Russell suffer with an apparent panic attack having dived into an ice bath after getting out of his car. The sport’s regulations have since been updated, with climate change and more circuits in the Middle East and United States only set to increase such incidents.The regulations now read: “If the Official Weather Service predicts that the Heat Index will be greater than 31°C at some time during the sprint session or the race at a Competition, or at the sole discretion of the Race Director, a Heat Hazard may be declared twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled start of the Competition. “Once a Heat Hazard is declared the additional items to aid driver cooling must be fitted, including all components of the Driver Cooling Systems, with the exception of any cooling medium and any items of a driver’s personal equipment that form part of the system, as described under Article 14.6 of the Technical Regulations, must be fitted.“At the start of any sprint session or race for which a Heat Hazard has been declared, all components of the Driver Cooling System must be fitted. Oliver Bearman showcased a cooling top during Thursday’s media activitiesGettyDrive to SurviveNetflix’s cameras were booted out when Russell started hyperventilating last year[/caption]“The system must be functional and available for use by the driver, meeting the specific provisions provided in Article 14.6.1 of the Technical Regulations for these sessions.“However, any driver may elect not to wear any items of personal equipment that form part of the driver cooling system.”Russell, who is also director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, explained the Heat Hazard in further detail after it was issued.“We’ve used the driver cooling vest already a few times at the hot races but this is the first time it’s been mandatory,” he said.“I think it’s good news. Not everybody finds the top comfortable but over time you’ll be able to adjust it to your own preferences.“The concept is good and when you’re racing in 90 per cent humidity and the cockpits at 60 degrees it becomes a sauna inside the car so we all welcome it.”