Lewis Hamilton Questions Cooling Vests at the Singapore Grand Prix
The seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has expressed skepticism about the use of cooling vests that are being recommended to the drivers for this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix. The British driver has expressed doubts about the comfort of these devices. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has declared this weekend’s race a high-risk event due to the heat. As a result, a new rule has been implemented that requires drivers to race with cars 5 kg heavier to accommodate the cooling system. The use of the vest is optional. If the drivers decide not to use it, ballast will be added to the car to compensate for the weight difference.Pilots are likely to use the vest at some point during Friday practice before deciding whether to wear it for the rest of the weekend. The FIA rule was implemented in response to the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers suffered problems due to the intense humidity.Williams driver Logan Sargeant retired after feeling unwell during the race, while Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll collapsed next to his car after exiting the cockpit following the finish. Some drivers had already used the vests in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this year. The observed effectiveness has encouraged other drivers to use it this weekend. Nico Hülkenberg from Sauber, commented that Alex Albon’s condition after that race made him change his mind. “After Jeddah, I was wrecked after the race,” said the German driver. “It was very hot. And I had Alex next to me on the plane, and he used the vest, and he was as fresh as a daisy. So I said, next time I’m going to use that thing.”I’ve never used it, but I’ll try it. It’s quite uncomfortable. It itches a lot, so I’m not sure I want to drive with a shirt that itches.
Lewis Hamilton
