The FIA declared the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring a heat-hazard event as a European heatwave pushes forecasts above 31°C for Spielberg. The governing body has authorized teams to install auxiliary cooling equipment, including a pump and tank that circulates cold fluid through a driver's suit. To prevent teams fitting cooling systems from being competitively penalized by the extra mass, the FIA will grant a temporary weight allowance so cars with the kit are not disadvantaged against rivals who decline it. Teams must weigh the performance trade off because the plumbing and fluid still change car balance and setup even with the allowance. The declaration also formalizes in-session cooling and hydration priorities for drivers and is expected to affect which cars receive cooling rigs before first practice, plus ballast and setup decisions ahead of qualifying and the race.
