The FIA just activated the heat hazard protocol for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
The 2026 Italian Grand Prix is finally here, starting with the two practice sessions on Friday. We're going to see several new faces in Free Practice 1, while a heat hazard protocol awaits on Sunday's race at the Temple of Speed.
FIA activates heat hazard protocol
The FIA has officially declared a heat hazard for the 2026 F1 Italian Grand Prix, with temperatures expected to exceed 31°C.
This means that teams must install cooling systems on their cars and allow their drivers to wear the optional liquid-cooled vest. If a driver decides not to use the vest, an additional 0.5kg of ballast will be added to their car to adhere to the required weight associated with the mandated equipment.
Bearman gets a new engine; Ocon doesn't
Haas will receive an upgraded Ferrari engine, as part of the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) program. Unfortunately for the team, Ferrari can only provide them with one ADUO2 power unit this weekend.
Ultimately, Haas decided that Oliver Bearman gets the upgraded engine, while Esteban Ocon runs the old engine specifications. But on a more positive note, both Haas drivers will benefit from their new aerodynamic package in Monza.
Shorter F1 races for 2027
F1 teams have reportedly agreed to a plan that would reduce Grand Prix distances from 305 kilometers to 290 kilometers starting in 2027. Talk of shortened races began when teams complained about the lack of energy in the cars in race trim.
This regulatory change will have meaningful implications for race strategy and fuel loads next year.
New faces in FP1
We're going to see several new faces in Free Practice 1 of the Italian GP. Ayumu Iwasa will take Max Verstappen's Red Bull, while Luke Browning replaces Alex Albon in Williams. Alpine's Pierre Gasly will sit out to give way to Paul Aron, while Colton Herta will slot in Sergio Perez's Cadillac seat.
F1 requires each team to field a rookie driver on four FP1 sessions each year. The main car drivers will retake the wheel starting in Free Practice 2.
Antonelli confirms another penalty after Monza
Mercedes driver and current championship leader Kimi Antonelli will take a power unit penalty at Monza. However, the Italian driver's penalties won't end this weekend. He might incur another power unit penalty, although it's not confirmed which race he will take the penalty.
Antonelli leads the championship by 59 points over teammate George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.
