During the 2023 season, which concluded with Max Verstappen winning his third world championship, the world of Formula 1 experienced a glimpse of what climate change could do to the future seasons of motorsport.

Two astonishing examples were the cancellation of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix due to the catastrophic flooding that had a devastating effect on the entire Italian region, causing the deaths of at least 14 people and forcing thousands to leave their homes; and the extreme conditions during the race in Qatar, with drivers suffering from low blood pressure and heatstroke. In a normal Grand Prix, drivers lose around 1/1.5 kg of body weight through dehydration due to the incredible efforts needed to drive a Formula 1 car. In Qatar, however, the weight loss of the drivers more than doubled, causing them to reach the finish line exhausted due to hyperthermia: an increase in body temperature beyond physiological limits (37 °C under the armpit) caused by external factors, such as intense muscular fatigue [1].

These are not simply unforeseen events or problems related to the location of the event; the race in Qatar was held at night to avoid the normal high daytime temperatures. They are signs of a structural problem that F1 can no longer ignore.

A study published in European Sport Management Quarterly and commissioned by McLaren Racing systematically addressed the climate risks associated with Formula 1 for the first time [2]. The authors analysed 25 circuits, the 24 on the 2024 calendar plus a potential venue in South Africa, assessing factors such as extreme heat, air quality, flooding and heavy rainfall. The picture that emerges is clear: F1, in its current form, is extremely vulnerable.

To address the problem, the researchers defined “boundary conditions”, thresholds beyond which environmental conditions begin to pose a real risk to the health of drivers, the functioning of facilities, sporting performance and the economic sustainability of the event [2].

For example:

• Extreme heat: above 27.8°C the risk for drivers and mechanics becomes high.
• Heavy rain: above 7.6 mm/h, the limits of the wet tyres supplied by Pirelli are exceeded.
• Air quality: an AQI (Air Quality Index) index above 150 is considered dangerous for everyone present [3].
• Flooding: high risks if the circuit is located in areas subject to sea level rise or with a history of flooding.

These thresholds were developed through an in-depth review of scientific literature and interviews with industry professionals, including technicians, sports doctors and drivers. The results show that extreme heat is the most widespread hazard, threatening 19 of the 25 venues analysed. Water is the second enemy: floods could compromise 18 circuits, and heavy rainfall could affect 7 events. In 10 locations, air pollution reaches potentially harmful levels [2].

Among the most exposed locations are:

• Singapore: threatened by heat, rain, air quality and the risk of rising sea levels.
• Qatar: subject to extremely high temperatures and polluted air.
• Mexico City, Johannesburg and Las Vegas: problems related to pollution and drought.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg (Austria) stands out as one of the few locations with minimal risks on all fronts.

The study does not merely highlight the problem, but proposes a series of possible adaptations:

• Operational adaptations: mandatory cooling systems for drivers, breaks for hydration, and continuous temperature monitoring.
• Calendar changes: reorganisation of dates to avoid the hottest or rainiest periods, even at the cost of breaking with tradition.
• Infrastructure upgrades: improved drainage systems, shaded areas for spectators, and air filters.
• Collaboration between circuits: sharing solutions and best practices to address common challenges.

The aim is not only to ensure the safety of events, but also to preserve the commercial and media value of Formula 1, which in 2024 generated over $3 billion in revenue and attracted more than six million live spectators.