The Singapore Grand Prix is known for its heat and stifling humidity, causing drivers to lose significant weight by sweating as they drive. Drinks tubes are built into their helmets which pump fluids from a bag in the cockpit, but in Singapore those drinks can reach the temperature of hot tea.

“Hydrate well,” was runaway standings leader Max Verstappen’s advice to Liam Lawson on Thursday as the New Zealander from AlphaTauri prepares to race here for the first time.

“It’s just quite uncomfortable driving. You always feel very warm and you have to get used to the sweating. It can’t really go anywhere. It’s just in your suit, so you have to just get comfortable with that.”

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll said he gets “pretty thirsty” toward the end of the race, “so, yeah, I go for the tea”.

Singapore isn’t always the hottest or most humid F1 track — Miami and Bahrain each have a claim — but it’s on a twisty layout through the city streets. That means less time at high speed when air flows fast over the drivers and cools them, George Russell of Mercedes said. The track has a slightly shorter layout this year, replacing four corners with a straight section. That could make drivers a little more comfortable.

Charles Leclerc was fastest in the first practice session on Friday, beating teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. by .078 seconds and Verstappen, aiming to extend his record run with an 11th consecutive victory on Sunday, in third by .126.