Italian Grand Prix declared heat-hazard race as heatwave persists

The Italian Grand Prix has been declared a heat-hazard race as exceptionally high temperatures continue to grip the country following a summer heatwave, the BBC reported on Thursday. The declaration imposes additional safety protocols for drivers and trackside staff at the Monza circuit, where the Formula 1 race is scheduled to run this weekend.

The announcement comes as forecasters predict temperatures will rise from Friday and peak over the weekend across Italy, before a sharp drop into cooler autumn weather by the middle of next week, according to The Local Italy. The heat-hazard designation reflects growing concern among motorsport authorities about the physical toll of extreme heat on competitors and spectators alike.

The race at Monza, historically one of the fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, will now operate under heightened medical surveillance. Teams will be required to adjust hydration strategies and cooling systems for drivers, while circuit officials have been instructed to monitor track and ambient temperatures more frequently throughout the weekend.