A heatwave sweeping across Europe has marked this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix as a heat-hazard race.The decision is activated with the forecasted temperature expected to exceed 31C while cars are on track.Oliver Bearman showcased a cooling top during last year’s Singapore GP media dayGettyThe announcement means drivers can use a cooling kit which circulates liquid under their racing overalls.Formula 1‘s governing body does not make it mandatory ruling; however, any driver who refuses must carry an extra 5kg of ballast in their cockpit to ensure they don’t gain a competitive advantage.The severe heatwave has gripped Europe, with several countries recording the highest June temperatures on record on Wednesday.On race day, the temperatures around the Red Bull Ring are expected to reach 38C, with track temperatures to exceed 50C.It has marked the first time the rule has been used on the continent, having previously been deployed at the Singapore and US Grands Prix.The concept was first introduced after the gruelling Qatar Grand Prix in 2023, which led to several drivers passing out due to the extreme humidity.On race day in Lusail, ex-Williams driver Logan Sargeant retired from the session due to the conditions, while Lance Stroll collapsed next to his car following the race.Despite the dangers, some drivers chose not to use the system as it can cause physical discomfort when racing and can easily create issues at high speeds, such as the liquid heating up to car temperature which can reach up to 60C.One driver who has previously opted against cooling vests is Lewis Hamilton, who has urged the FIA not to make the ‘silly rule’ mandatory.Last year in Singapore, the seven-time world champion added his opinion on making the rule mandatory as he said: “I don’t think it should ever be forced on drivers.Many felt using no cooling system was a safety issue after the Qatar GPAFP“They keep saying it’s a safety issue, but there’s no driver that’s ever died from overheating in the race, apart from obviously in flames back in the day.“It’s like, it’s just getting silly. That should be our choice to have it.“I appreciate they’ve made it available to us and we’ll continue to work and improve on the system and I think it can be potentially beneficial in crazy hot places, but if you want to use it because it’s comfortable, it should never be like you have to wear this.”Max Verstappen backed up the Brit and believed that the FIA should allow the individual driver to decide.He said: “I just think it should be an option – that you can choose for yourself whether you want to wear it or not.“It’s a bit ridiculous to be honest. In the end, it’s about your own safety and how you feel about it.Hamilton was mobbed by his Ferrari team post-race as he won his first race for the ScuderiaGetty“I don’t think they should make that mandatory at all.”Who will win the Austrian GP?The eighth round of the 2026 F1 championship gets underway on Friday, with teenager Kimi Antonelli leading the standings by 41 points.However, Hamilton’s recent victory in Barcelona was a momentous occasion and has led to suggestions he could mount a serious assault on an eighth world title.Meanwhile, current champion Lando Norris has historically been a dominant force around Austria, often outperforming the machinery underneath him.Norris delivered a stunning lap in qualifying, and converted it into 25 points at last years Austrian GPGettyThe McLaren drive celebrated his maiden podium around the Red Bull Ring in 2020.Additionally, he was triumphant last year as he took his first win around Austria after a dominant weekend.However, the Mercedes power unit is supposedly unreliable in hot conditions and the battery suffers with heat damage.