Verstappen doubles down on 'sauna' claim over cooling vest need
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Max Verstappen believes the cooling vest is unnecessary, arguing that its cables restrict drivers' movement in the cockpit rather than offering any real benefit. The four-time world champion also questioned its effectiveness, pointing out that even if the system worked as intended, it would not provide cooling for the entire duration of a race.
In recent weeks, a heated debate has erupted in Formula 1 over the use of cooling vests, with drivers expressing contrasting views on the technology designed to protect them from extreme temperatures.
George Russell believes drivers should have access to effective cooling systems without teams having to compromise car development, while Max Verstappen insists their use should remain a personal choice, particularly given the technical issues associated with the devices.
The situation has created an unusual paradox: Russell is keen to use the cooling vest, but Mercedes has opted against dedicating the time, money and engineering resources needed to develop a sufficiently effective and reliable system, prioritising the performance of its car instead. Verstappen, meanwhile, is determined to preserve his freedom to race without one.
Photo: Race Pictures
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Verstappen stands firm on 'not a sauna' stance
Speaking to GPblog and other media in Singapore, the Dutchman made it clear that he sees no need for the cooling vest, despite the high temperatures drivers face in the cockpit. Verstappen argued that the cables required for the system restrict movement inside the car, making it more of a hindrance than a benefit.
The four-time world champion also cast doubt on the system's effectiveness over a full race distance, claiming that he has never encountered a cooling solution capable of functioning for an hour and a half in any racing category. He insisted that even if the vest could maintain its cooling effect for that long, he would still have no interest in using it.
“For me it's not needed. Yes, it's hot, but it's not a sauna. And with this cooling vest, have these stupid cables in your in your car, so it's just limiting your movement as well.
“I don't need it. Even if it would work for one and a half hours, like cool, cool, I don't need it. It doesn't work anyway for one and a half hours. I've never... I think in any category that it has worked for one and a half hours.”
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The FIA has declared a Heat Hazard for this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, triggering the measures outlined in the regulations to protect drivers from the extreme temperatures and humidity expected at Marina Bay. The designation brings the cooling system requirements into effect, although drivers are not obliged to wear the cooling vest itself.
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