Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang declared a heat-hazard race
On 30 September 2026 the Bahrain Grand Prix being held at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia was declared a heat-hazard race, the third time the designation has been used this year.
A heat hazard is an official status applied when it is forecast that temperatures will be more than 31C at some point during the race. The Sepang track, near Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, is close to the equator and is long regarded as one of the most demanding circuits for drivers. Temperatures across the race weekend are forecast to be in the 31-33C range, with high humidity and a daily chance of rain.
The event is being staged in Malaysia as a way of running the Bahrain race after it was postponed from its original April date because of the war in the Middle East. Organisers have planned a number of Bahrain-related activities across the weekend to emphasise the Gulf kingdom's role in the event.
Under the heat-hazard ruling drivers may use an in-car cooling system that flows cooled liquid, such as glycol, through a system of pipes in a fireproof top worn beneath their overalls. The cooling kit is optional; any driver who chooses not to use it must carry 5kg of ballast in their car to ensure there is no competitive advantage.
This declaration follows the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix in being named heat-hazard races this year. The designation was first introduced last year once the technology for the cooling vest had been developed.
Some drivers prefer not to wear the cooling kit because of discomfort and because there have been issues with the coolant running out before a grand prix is finished. When that happens the liquid ends up at car temperature, which is considerably higher than ambient.
Temperatures inside an F1 cockpit can exceed 40C and drivers wear several layers of fireproof clothing in addition to a balaclava and helmet, so overheating is a serious concern.
The heat-hazard ruling therefore permits use of the cooled-liquid system during the Sepang race weekend and enforces the 5kg ballast requirement for any driver who opts not to use the kit.