Verstappen slams FIA’s cooling vest, but Russell is cool

Max Verstappen isn’t sweating over Singapore’s brutal heat and humidity – but he’s definitely hot under the collar about Formula 1’s new driver-cooling vest.

Ahead of Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix – the first race to be officially designated a “heat hazard” under the FIA’s new safety guidelines – the three-time world champion made it clear he’s no fan of the new system.

The Dutchman, who lines up second on the grid behind Mercedes’ George Russell, said he’s refusing to wear the cooling garment this weekend and is firmly against the FIA’s plan to make it mandatory from 2026 in extreme situations.

"I haven't used the vest," Verstappen said. "I'm also not intending to use it. Because I feel like this needs to be the driver's choice.

"I don't like it. I don't like the tubes that are on you and your body with the belts that go next to you. Then they can say it's a bad design. I disagree. It just needs to be an option for the drivers to choose.

"Some like it, some don't. And that's fine. It should be a personal preference. I know, of course, this year we can (choose).

"But probably next year they don't want to do that. And that is not the right thing."

“No space, no sense,” says Max

Singapore’s soaring cockpit temperatures – often exceeding 60°C – have long made the race one of F1’s toughest endurance tests. But Verstappen argues that the FIA’s cooling fix simply doesn’t fit Formula 1’s tight design philosophy.

"The problem also is that in a GT car or any other car, prototype, you have a bit more space to put stuff, or at least cables," he explained.

"In our cockpits, it's so narrow that there is no space, or at least not enough space. And that is also a little bit of a problem I find.

"Plus, where are you going to put the dry ice? The cars are not designed really to have this extra kind of space. And within 15, 20 laps, it's anyway gone. And you have hot water (running through the system)."

The reigning champion’s comments highlight a growing tension between driver comfort and FIA safety mandates. Verstappen’s concern is that the system – meant to prevent heat exhaustion – could instead become another technical burden inside already cramped cockpits.

Russell gives it a go, Piastri on the fence

While Verstappen is steering clear, Marina Bay pole-sitter George Russell is happy to test the tech once again after previous successful outings.

"I'll run it," Russell confirmed. "I ran it in a couple of races this year. It isn't the perfect solution yet. And the fact is, you have no testing, you can only test it in a race environment.

"So, the race in Bahrain, I was happy with it. I ran it in Saudi as well. I was happy with it. But, of course, here it is much hotter. The dry ice will melt faster.

"But the team have made big improvements with the car cooling of itself. We recognise some quite major issues of sort of hot air seeping in.

"The cockpit massively exceeded 60C at certain races and just moving a few electronic boxes around and hydraulic lines that are running at 120C around your feet have a major impact on the heat.

“I'll give you an answer tomorrow (as to whether it worked)."

Meanwhile, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri – who will line up third on Sunday’s grid – remains undecided on whether to use the system at all.

"I still don't know if I'm going to use it," Piastri admitted. "I used it yesterday. The problem with the suit is it's great when it works. But if it fails, it's even worse than not having it.

"The initiative is good. But, like Max said, having the choice to use it or not is important because there are benefits and downsides."

For now, the split at the front of the grid mirrors the wider paddock: some drivers are suiting up for extra comfort, others are keeping things old school.

But one thing’s for sure – in Singapore’s sweltering heat, everyone will find out quickly whether the FIA’s “cool” solution really keeps its promise.

Read also: FIA warns of sizzling Singapore – cooling vests in focus

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