Driver cooling leads 2025 F1 rule changes
With the heat and humidity at several races exceeding safe limits, the FIA has introduced new rules to prevent drivers overheating ahead of a major overhaul in 2026 to include new power units with built-in cooling
DRIVER COOLING SYSTEM
Mandatory once Heat Hazard declared when temperature reaches 30.5˚C
Position of compressor and heat exchanger customised to  each car
Fireproof shirt beneath suit contains 48m of tubes at front and rear
Coolant: Only air, water or chemicals deemed not harmful in contact with skin permitted
WEIGHT LIMITS
Driver: Minimum 82kg (up from 80kg)
Car without fuel: Min. 800kg (up from 798kg)
Additional weight of cooling system
Qualifying: 2kg
Sprint / race: 5kg
1
Removal of bonus point for fastest lap in a GP
Must field “young driver” in free practice twice per season
Race drivers only take part in 4 days out of 20 for Testing of Previous Car
DRAG REDUCTION SYSTEM
Rear wing slot gap
Maximum deflection
Up from 10 newtons to 30 newtons
Open: max 85mm
Closed: 9.4-13mm (down from 10-14mm)
After DRS application, wing must return completely to closed positionOnly two modes
FRONT WING
Deflection limits to be introduced from Round 9 in Barcelona still  to be approved
Sources: F1, Autosport
© GRAPHIC NEWS