It would be ‘ridiculous’ for Formula One to make cooling vests mandatory during hot races, according to Max Verstappen. The four-time world champion opted against wearing one at the Singapore Grand Prix and has urged the FIA to reconsider its plans for 2026 and beyond.
F1’s governing body issued a heat hazard warning for the first time in the sport’s history ahead of the Singapore GP, with temperatures forecasted to exceed 31 degrees Celsius. This meant that all teams were forced to fit the necessary equipment to run the new driver cooling vests, although these were not mandatory.
However, the drivers who opted against the cooling vests in Singapore still had to carry the necessary equipment to run the devices, as well as an extra 0.5kg of ballast to negate any potential weight advantages.
While the regulations are intended to put driver safety above all else, Verstappen is unimpressed with the cooling devices. “No, I’m not going to wear it,” he confirmed at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
“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 15 to 20 minutes, the vest gets really hot as well. So, it doesn’t help at all.”
Speaking to Viaplay, he added: “I just think it should be an option – that you can choose for yourself whether you want to wear it or not.” When it was pointed out that Verstappen’s wishes match the current state of play, he 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.”
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According to Autosport, the FIA are still determining their policy surrounding the cooling vests for next season, and F1’s governing body is consulting drivers in the process.
Verstappen isn’t the only driver with concerns about the vests. “I’ve never used it, but I’ll try,” explained seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. “It’s quite uncomfortable. It itches a lot, so I’m not sure I want to drive with an itchy top on.”
Mercedes’ George Russell added: “We’ve used the driver cooling vest a few times already this season at the hot races. Not everybody finds the top comfortable, but I think some find it more comfortable than others. And of course, over time, you’ll be able to adjust it to your own preferences. But the concept is good.”
