Reuters
Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 20, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action at the end of the race REUTERS/Yves Herman
Reuters
Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 20, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action at the end of the race REUTERS/Yves Herman
In F1 drivers have to brave the weather with the cars being completely open. The cold is easier to deal with; with the drivers covered head to toe in their racing suits. However, when it comes to heat, it is a whole other affair. The drivers have to deal with not only the sun but also scalding engine temperatures, which is no easy task.
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The 2022 French GP is predicted to be a steaming affair, with nothing but sun in the forecast for the 3 days. However, nothing will top the 2005 Bahrain GP; the hottest race in F1 history. Temperatures hit a melting 108F, under the scorching desert sun.
The drivers were melting inside their cockpits, and even the machinery couldn’t keep up. The race saw a total of 8 retirements, nearly half the grid, most of them through engine failure. In the end, Fernando Alonso came home to win the Bahrain GP under the blazing sun, marking the 100th F1 victory for Renault engines.
It also predicted the French GP this weekend to be the hottest race so far this season. The heatwaves in Europe are the main reason behind the searing temperatures.
Weather forecast ahead of the 2022 French GP
The 2022 French GP is set to kick off this weekend with on-track rivalries set to make it a blistering affair. However, it is not only the racing that is going to increase the temperature out on track.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 18, 2021 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso during practice REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
The forecast suggests clear skies and plenty of sun for the entire weekend. The opening day is set to be the coolest with temperatures topping at 89.6F. Qualifying is set to be warmer with temperatures up to 93.2F. The race is set to be the hottest, with drivers having to face 95F heat on Sunday.
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Track temperatures topped out a 118F last year and are expected to hit the early 130s this year. This year’s French GP is setting up to be a sweltering affair figuratively as well as literally!
