Max Verstappen has openly criticized Formula 1’s new safety directive requiring drivers to wear cooling vests, calling the mandate “a bit ridiculous.” This statement comes as the sport faces its first official heat warning ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit under intense tropical temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius. Despite the extreme conditions, Verstappen chose to forgo the vest after testing it in practice sessions, sparking controversy given the regulatory consequences.
Verstappen Tests Cooling Vest but Rejects Its Effectiveness
During the practice runs at Singapore, Verstappen wore the cooling vest but quickly grew disillusioned with its performance. He reported that the vest only stays cool for about 15 to 20 minutes before heating up, diminishing any protective benefit it might offer. Although temperatures and humidity levels were notably high, he decided not to wear the vest for the remainder of the weekend, knowingly incurring a 0.5kg ballast penalty for non-compliance.
Verstappen expressed his view bluntly in an exclusive interview:
It doesn’t bother me that much, and it gets hot anyway. A little sweat is okay, and that cooling vest gets hot after 15 to 20 minutes, so there’s no use for it.
Max Verstappen, F1 champion
Opposition to FIA’s Compulsory Safety Measures Grows
The FIA has announced that by 2025, all drivers must wear cooling vests whenever heat warnings are issued, leaving no room for personal choice. Verstappen has been vocal against this rule, emphasizing the importance of autonomy when it comes to safety gear. He insists that mandating the vest infringes on drivers’ ability to decide what works best for them in terms of comfort and safety under extreme conditions.
He highlighted his disagreement strongly, stating,
I totally disagree with that. A bit ridiculous. We have to talk about that.
and added,
In the end, it’s just about your own safety, however you feel about it. They shouldn’t force that on you, I don’t think.
Max Verstappen, F1 champion
Driver Welfare Concerns Amid Rising Race Temperatures
The push for mandatory cooling vests stems from growing worries over driver health as race conditions become harsher due to climate factors and intense heat. The FIA is attempting to enhance safety protocols to reduce heat-related risks, but some drivers like Verstappen question whether the measures truly offer protection or simply reduce comfort without meaningful benefits. This disagreement highlights the ongoing debate about balancing safety with personal freedom in motorsport.
What to Expect as the Singapore GP Progresses
As the Singapore Grand Prix continues, the tension between drivers and the FIA is apparent. Verstappen’s rejection of the cooling vest and his criticism of the governing body’s approach may influence other athletes who feel similarly. The situation raises questions about whether mandatory equipment will be resisted more broadly or accepted as necessary for driver safety. Observers will closely watch how this conflict evolves and what concessions, if any, may be made moving forward in Formula 1’s management of extreme heat.
