Formula 1 drivers are split over the use and importance of cooling vests as the series is set for its fourth heat hazard race of 2026. Driver comfort in hot climates has been a point of conversation since the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. In response, the FIA and all teams commissioned a standard cooling vest circulating water through a tube system, mandatory when temperatures exceed 31 degrees or require adding 0.5kg of ballast.
With the original design lacking comfort and effectiveness, the governing body provided cost cap allowances for teams wanting to improve the design, offering 50,000 USD and 75,000 USD exemptions for better systems and comfort enhancements.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver George Russell sparked debate by calling on authorities to improve the framework, noting his team preferred spending resources on car performance rather than comfort issues.
Few drivers agreed with George Russell, with Red Bull Racing drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar openly demanding a ban.
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
"I think it should be banned, because it's supposed to be tough," Isack Hadjar said in Singapore.
Max Verstappen added: "For me it's not needed. Yes it's hot, but it's not a sauna, and with this cooling vest you have these stupid cables in your car, so it's just limiting your movement as well."
Alpine F1 Team driver Franco Colapinto was equally dismissive, while Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver Kimi Antonelli avoided using it after suffering a heat stroke following a pump failure last year.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc preferred having an imperfect system over none at all. Meanwhile, Williams F1 Team driver Carlos Sainz and Haas F1 Team driver Esteban Ocon praised the physical performance benefits of their developed cooling solutions.
Source: Autosport
