The green flag has been raised for the Formula One Madrid Grand Prix, with drivers completing their formation lap under intense summer conditions. The event kicked off at 2pm BST on a sweltering day in the Spanish capital.
Thermometers recorded an ambient temperature of 31 degrees Celsius, with the track surface reaching a searing 54 degrees due to the lack of shade around the circuit. Competitors are preparing for a demanding 57-lap contest, with early preliminary races raising questions about how the extreme heat will affect the cars and drivers.
As the field launched into the unknown variables of the race, organizers noted the challenging environmental conditions awaiting the competitors.
At least the AC in the cockpits must be working overtime. Imagine wearing a fireproof suit in this heat for two hours!
It’s 31C ambient, which is hot, but 54C track temp seems exceptionally high. Is that standard for summer races?
Will tire degradation be a nightmare? I wonder if we will see a one-stop strategy dominate in these conditions.
Finally, F1 comes to Madrid! The heat is intense, but this race needs to happen. Go Drivers!
54C on the track is absolutely brutal. I can’t imagine how tough it is for the tires and the drivers out there.