Cold worries in Formula 1: Hand warmers for Las Vegas?
Low temperatures on Formula 1 nights in Las Vegas cause drivers and engineers to ponder. The cold at the Grand Prix in the gambling metropolis is not just a challenge for the tires if you want to get the most out of their performance.
For the drivers in motorsport's premier class, it's about things that are taken for granted, such as warm fingers. "Your hands have to work when you're driving. That's why we have to pay particular attention to this," said McLaren driver Lando Norris ahead of the penultimate race of the year. Sometimes simple things like hand warmers can help to prevent stiff fingers.
It was only five degrees at the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix
In the Nevada desert, it is not unusual for temperatures to be in the single digits at night in November. The race itself starts at 22:00 local time on Saturday. The lowest temperatures in the history of Formula 1 were recorded at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1978, at just five grand.
"When you go out at track temperatures like this, it's difficult," said Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg. "It will be challenging." However, the drivers are no strangers to dealing with low temperatures. They are familiar with this from the pre-season tests that took place in Spain in February.
There is a risk of slipping in Las Vegas
Pirelli's Head of Motorsport Mario Isola described the conditions on the strip in Las Vegas, where new asphalt was also laid, as a "great unknown" for the drivers. The rubber was developed to provide a lot of grip at high temperatures. At low temperatures, they are significantly less grippy. There is a risk of slipping.
"There can be so many variables," said Carlos Sainz from Ferrari, who, like his rivals, only prepared for the cold start in Las Vegas in the simulator. "You can be as well prepared as you want. You can only react properly once you're in the car."
Tire poker as a show element?
The tires are normally brought up to temperature in the corners, but cool down again on the long straights. The organizers also see the tires as a kind of show element. "It increases the excitement and competition on the track," said chief organizer Renee Wilm about the tire poker.
In the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix Las Vegas, drivers may resort to using hand warmers to combat the chilly weather, a common issue during night races in the gambling city. Previous experiences with cold temperatures at the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix, where it was just five degrees, have shown that drivers can adapt and overcome these challenges.
Source: www.dpa.com
