Formula 1 is on the eve of one of the most challenging Grands Prix of the season: the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. With temperatures expected to soar above 31 degrees Celsius this week and humidity hovering around 25 percent, the FIA ​​has declared an official “Heat Hazard.” This is the second time in two weeks that this measure has been invoked, following a similar warning for the Singapore GP. As drivers prepare for a physical hell in the cockpit, four-time world champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands receives bad news from the FIA. He has received a penalty that will immediately impact his race weekend, and experts are warning of the risk of some drivers passing out after the finish due to dehydration and overheating.

Let’s start with Verstappen’s penalty. The Red Bull driver, who currently leads the championship by 24 points over McLaren’s Lando Norris, already has a notorious history with FIA penalties. By 2025, he has already accumulated nine penalty points on his superlicense, following incidents such as a collision with George Russell in Spain and a time penalty in Miami. The FIA ​​operates a strict points system: 12 points within a year leads to an automatic race suspension. With the US GP at stake, the international motorsport federation has now imposed a new penalty. During qualifying for the sprint race in Austin, which takes place today, Verstappen was given a three-place grid penalty for causing a minor collision with Oscar Piastri in the final corner of Q2. The stewards ruled that Verstappen defended too aggressively, resulting in minimal damage but a violation of driving regulations. “This is a clear warning,” FIA race director Rui Marques said in a statement. “Safety comes first, especially in this heat.”

This penalty comes at a crucial time. Verstappen, who has already had several controversial moments in 2025—think of his clash with Norris in Saudi Arabia and a discussion about swearing in press conferences—now risks more points. He is currently at ninth place, and another incident would bring him to the threshold. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner reacted furiously: “This feels like a premeditated action to hinder Max in his title fight. The FIA ​​needs to be consistent.” Fans on social media share this frustration, with hashtags like #JusticeForMax trending. Nevertheless, Verstappen himself acknowledges that he needs to be more careful. In an interview with Dutch media, he said: “I drive fast, but the rules are the rules. This weekend I’m focused on scoring points, despite the heat and this nonsense.”

But the real hell in Austin isn’t just Verstappen’s punishment; it’s the merciless sun that awaits the drivers. The cockpit of an F1 car can reach temperatures of over 50 degrees Celsius, combined with the physical exertion of G-forces and acceleration. Drivers wear multiple layers of fire-resistant clothing, a balaclava, and a helmet, causing torrents of sweat. The FIA’s Heat Hazard triggers Article 26.19 of the Sporting Regulations, meaning all cars must be equipped with a driver cooling system. This system, a vest with circulating cooling water, is optional for the drivers themselves, but teams must add 0.5 kg of ballast if a driver isn’t wearing it – to prevent an unfair weight advantage.

Despite these measures, medical experts warn of serious risks. Dr. Charlotte Holland, a sports medicine specialist, explains: “Dehydration can lead to decreased concentration, fatigue, and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness. In Qatar 2023 and Singapore 2025, we saw drivers requiring post-race treatment for heat exhaustion.” In Singapore, the first official Heat Hazard race this year, drivers like Charles Leclerc reported that the vest was only effective for five laps before the system failed due to overheating of the fluid. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso said: “It feels like an extra layer of clothing in a sauna. I chose not to wear it, but the heat hit me after an hour.” Mercedes’ George Russell, a proponent of the vest, is advocating for its mandatory implementation: “This isn’t a matter of comfort; it’s about survival.”

Verstappen shares the skepticism. The Dutchman, known for his direct style, previously called the system “clumsy and unreliable” during tests in Bahrain. “The tubes in the cockpit make it even more cramped, and if it fails, you actually get hotter,” he said. Still, he acknowledges the danger: “In this heat, you lose two to three kilos per race through sweat. A mistake due to fatigue can be fatal.” Other drivers, like Lewis Hamilton in his debut season with Ferrari, are preparing with intensive hydration protocols and ice baths. The GPDA, the drivers’ union, is pushing for faster innovations, such as integrated cooling in race suits.

The Circuit of the Americas adds extra challenges. The 5.5-kilometer track, with its iconic hill and corners, demands precision, but in the heat, tires wear out faster and engines overheat. Teams like McLaren and Ferrari are already testing special setups with extra ventilation. The race, which starts Sunday at 2:00 PM local time, promises to be a tactical battle: whoever manages the heat best wins. For Verstappen, the penalty means he’ll start from P4 in the sprint, which reduces his chances of scoring additional championship points. Norris, his closest rival, laughs: “Max has to drive smart now, just like I do in the heat.”

This GP highlights broader issues in F1: the impact of climate change on the calendar, with more extreme weather in Texas due to La Niña effects. The FIA ​​is considering adjustments, such as later start times or mandatory breaks, but for now the burden rests on the shoulders—and in the pockets—of the drivers. While fans gather for fireworks, music, and the traditional American show, the drivers fight a silent war against the elements. Will Verstappen overcome his penalty and close the gap to the title? Or will the heat take over, with dramatic retirements? Austin 2025 will be a race to frame, or to survive.