At the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen announced he will not be using the cooling vest despite the increasing push for it to become mandatory in 2026. Verstappen criticized the device as ineffective for him and expressed strong opposition to requirements forcing drivers to wear it, highlighting concerns about personal comfort and safety. This development occurs amid ongoing discussions by the FIA regarding measures to protect drivers from extreme heat during races.
FIA Introduces Heat Hazard Warning and Cooling Vest Regulations
The FIA activated a heat hazard warning for the first time in Formula 1 at the Singapore event, a protocol that can be issued up to 24 hours before a race’s start if temperatures are forecast to reach 31°C or higher. This safety measure mandates teams to install a cooling system device in response to health issues faced by drivers at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where extreme heat led to several competitors feeling unwell. Although the cooling vest is currently optional, the FIA has crafted regulations to maintain fairness: drivers wearing the vest are not penalized by added weight, while those without it must carry an additional 500 grams of ballast in their cars.
Varied Reception to the Cooling Vest Within Formula 1 Community
Views on the cooling vest remain divided among drivers. George Russell utilized the vest during the Bahrain Grand Prix and reported that it improved his performance, helping him secure second place. On the other hand, several drivers have raised concerns about the vest’s discomfort and effectiveness, with Verstappen among the most vocal skeptics. He confirmed he would not use the vest in Singapore, stating that he does not experience significant heat problems and that the vest’s ability to cool diminishes quickly.
No, I’m not going to wear it. I don’t really suffer from the heat that much, and it’s going to be warm anyway. Sweating a bit is fine for me, and after fifteen to twenty minutes the vest gets really hot as well. So, it doesn’t help at all,
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Concerns Over Future Mandates for Cooling Vest Use
Verstappen’s main objection extends beyond his personal discomfort with the cooling vest; he is strongly against the possibility of the device becoming compulsory. He insists that wearing the vest should remain a choice decided by the drivers themselves rather than a blanket obligation imposed by governing bodies. Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Viaplay, Verstappen emphasized the importance of individual safety preferences and voiced disappointment with potential rules mandating vest use starting next season.
I just think it should be an option – that you can choose for yourself whether you want to wear it or not,
he said.
When reminded that vest use is currently voluntary, Verstappen replied:
This season it is, yes, but at the moment it won’t be for next season. And I completely disagree with that. It’s a bit ridiculous to be honest. In the end it’s about your own safety and how you feel about it. I don’t think they should make that mandatory at all.
FIA’s Position and Ongoing Dialogues with Drivers
The FIA clarified that no decision has been finalized regarding compulsory use of the cooling vest for the 2026 season. The topic was discussed during the drivers’ briefing on Friday night in Singapore, where opinions were mixed among the competitors. The federation expressed willingness to continue the conversation with drivers, emphasizing collaborative decision-making to address safety concerns linked to heat stress during races. Verstappen has voiced a strong preference for maintaining freedom of choice on this matter moving forward.
Implications for Driver Safety and Race Conditions
The efforts to address extreme heat in Formula 1 reflect growing awareness of the physical demands placed on drivers during competitions, particularly in high-temperature environments such as Singapore and Qatar. While devices like the cooling vest aim to mitigate heat-related risks, resistance from some leading drivers signals challenges in implementing blanket safety measures that satisfy all stakeholders. The outcome of these discussions will likely influence protocols for driver health and comfort in upcoming seasons, balancing innovation with personal preferences and performance considerations.
