F1: Verstappen and Hamilton Reject Mandatory Cooling Vests

Verstappen and Hamilton Oppose Mandatory Cooling Vests in F1

In the Singapore Grand Prix, both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have expressed their disagreement with the FIA’s proposal to make cooling vests mandatory for drivers in races with high temperatures. The measure, which seeks to improve the safety and well-being of the competitors, has generated debate among Formula 1 drivers. The FIA declared the Singapore Grand Prix as a “heat risk” event, which means that the cars must carry an additional weight of 5 kg to compensate for the optional use of cooling vests by the drivers. Those who choose not to use it add the weight through a ballast system. The implementation of this rule comes after several drivers suffered health problems due to the extreme humidity during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.

“I don’t think it should be mandatory for the drivers,” commented Lewis Hamilton, who has described the device as “irritating” to use.

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton argued that safety is important, but there is no evidence that overheating has caused the death of a racing driver. He believes that the decision to use the vest should be personal. The world champion, Max Verstappen, also spoke out against the mandatory use, pointing out that the vest feels like “hot tea” after a few laps on the Singapore circuit. Verstappen emphasized that the choice of whether or not to wear the vest should be exclusive to the drivers, and that the FIA should prioritize other safety improvements. Carlos Sainz, Williams driver and president of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), supports making the use of the vest optional. Sainz believes there is a significant performance advantage for those who use it. Sainz agrees that if it does not represent a major safety issue, the decision should be left to the drivers.