Formula 1® drivers remain divided over the use and effectiveness of cooling vests as the 2026 season continues, particularly during the fourth heat hazard race at the Singapore Grand Prix. The debate centers on whether these vests provide meaningful relief from cockpit heat or if they introduce discomfort and distraction.
Since the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, heat exhaustion among drivers has been a growing concern, prompting the FIA and teams to develop a standard cooling vest system that circulates water to reduce body temperature. The FIA now mandates the use of these vests or imposes a 0.5kg ballast penalty when track temperatures exceed 31°C. However, the current vest design has faced criticism for its limited duration of effectiveness and the discomfort it causes inside the tight confines of a Formula 1® cockpit.
The FIA has introduced cost cap exemptions to encourage teams to improve cooling vest technology, allowing up to $50,000 for systems effective throughout a race and $75,000 for enhancements targeting comfort and performance. Despite this, Mercedes has opted not to develop a bespoke cooling vest, focusing instead on car performance. Mercedes driver George Russell has called for stronger FIA regulation on the issue, emphasizing the need for better solutions.
Opinions among drivers vary considerably. Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have expressed opposition to the cooling vest, with Hadjar going as far as to suggest it should be banned due to its discomfort and questionable benefits. Alpine’s Franco Colapinto has voiced dislike for the vest but accepts it as an optional tool, while Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli avoids it altogether, preferring heat acclimatization training after experiencing heat stroke in the past.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc supports having the vest available, even if it only provides relief for part of the race. Williams’ Carlos Sainz and Haas’ Esteban Ocon credit the vest with improving comfort and physical performance during hot conditions. The discussion largely revolves around driver comfort rather than safety, with teams weighing the allocation of resources between car performance and cooling vest development.
This ongoing division highlights the challenge of balancing driver wellbeing with technical priorities in Formula 1®. While the cooling vest remains a mandated option in heat hazard conditions, there is no clear consensus yet on whether it should be banned, modified, or further developed. The FIA’s current allowances and exemptions aim to foster innovation, but drivers’ experiences suggest that more effective and comfortable solutions are still needed.