Perez laughs off Austrian GP heat concerns

Sergio Perez has laughed off Formula 1’s concerns about the hot conditions at the Austrian GP.

With temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30s at the Red Bull Ring for the remainder of the weekend, the FIA has declared a heat hazard, meaning all cars must carry the components for the new cooling vest system, even if drivers choose not to wear it.

"I don’t want to use it, I’m Mexican so for me this isn’t very hot," Perez smiled.

"The truth is that it makes me laugh that Europeans are worried about this level of heat, but for me it’s quite normal."

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was similarly relaxed.

"I’m Italian, I’m used to this weather," he smiled.

Mercedes has brought an updated battery package to Austria after the failure that forced Antonelli to retire in Barcelona, but the 19-year-old insisted the expected heat is not a concern.

"No, although it will certainly be a very demanding race in terms of the cars," he said.

"In Spain, there was a temperature spike in a battery pack component, which caused the system to crash. But these are not heat-related issues."