George Russell has been seen wearing a distinctive cooling jacket developed by adidas, Mercedes’ outfitter, during this Formula 1 season‘s hotter races. The metallic cooling vest, featuring integrated fans and coolant technology, has been designed to help Russell and teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli stay cool while waiting on the starting grid at various events.
The jacket’s futuristic design, nicknamed the ‘space jacket,’ combines insulation with active cooling elements to prevent drivers from overheating in their suits under high temperatures during race weekends.
The Reason Behind the Drivers’ Reactions to Russell’s Jacket
Speaking at the adidas flagship store on Oxford Street in London ahead of the British Grand Prix, Russell suggested that other drivers‘ teasing of the jacket stems from jealousy. He commented on the scene during race starts, where drivers stand in full gear under intense heat while media and fans surround them.
They are making fun of us because they’re jealous, it’s as simple as that,
he said jokingly.
Russell elaborated on the cooling challenges drivers face, noting that typical ice vests lose effectiveness quickly when exposed to sun. He said the integrated fan in the adidas cooling vest helps maintain a fresh sensation despite the heat.
F1 is a unique sport. Right before racing we’re standing on the grid, we’ve got cameras in our face, people coming up for interviews, and it’s so hot sometimes when you’re in your race suit… you’re melting,
Russell explained.
We all wear ice vests, but you stand in the sun for five minutes and they’re melted. The space jacket’s got a fan in it, so it keeps me ice cool and feeling fresh.
Insights into Post-Race Interactions and Driver Relationships
Russell also shared details about what happens in the post-race cooldown room, a place where drivers interact and broadcasters capture moments after each race. He described the strategic nature of conversations there, where drivers exchange information cautiously, sometimes testing the reliability of shared details.
Everyone is always trying to get some information out of one another [in the cooldown room] so you’ve got to give a little bit to get a little bit in return,
he said.
Sometimes you drop in something that’s really false just to see if they bite.
Regarding his connection with fellow F1 drivers, Russell highlighted the unique camaraderie formed due to the demanding schedule where the top 20 athletes travel and compete together repeatedly in various locations worldwide.
I don’t think there’s any other sport where the top 20 athletes in the world compete together 24 times a year and travel to the same places week-in, week-out.
Despite the close contact, Russell acknowledged that relationships vary between drivers, adding a light-hearted comment that not all friendships develop equally.
We’re all in the same boat. It doesn’t matter if you’ve won the race, came last or broken down, every driver can understand what that person is going through,
he said.
Russell’s Padel Court Experience with Carlos Sainz
Russell recently revealed an experience with Williams driver Carlos Sainz on the padel court, noting that it was the first time Sainz accepted his invitation. Russell admitted to discovering that Sainz’s previous refusals were due to a belief he was “too good” for the group, which turned out to be true.
It was the first time he actually accepted the invite, and I learned the reason he never accepted an invite was because he thought he was too good for us,
Russell recalled.
It turned out it was true, which was really annoying. He was mega good.
Significance of the Cooling Jacket and Rivalries in F1
The introduction of the George Russell adidas cooling jacket highlights the continuous efforts in Formula 1 to improve driver comfort and performance under challenging conditions. By combining advanced cooling technology with practical design, this jacket sets a new standard for managing heat stress on the grid.
Russell’s candid reflections on driver dynamics and post-race interactions reveal the blend of competition and camaraderie defining F1’s unique environment. As the season progresses, the functional innovation of this cooling gear could influence team strategies and inspire further developments in driver apparel ahead of demanding races like the British Grand Prix.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened between George Russell and Max Verstappen?
A. In the final laps of the Barcelona race, Verstappen furiously collided with the side of Russell’s car. This incident brought him close to facing a one-race suspension.
