F1 drivers debate cooling vests ahead of heat hazard race
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 9, 2026, 10:42 AM
Last updated Oct 9, 2026
As Formula 1 prepares for its fourth heat hazard race of 2026, drivers remain divided over the use of cooling vests. Concerns about driver comfort arose after the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers suffered from heat-related issues. The FIA implemented a standard cooling vest system, which includes water circulation through tubes, to combat high temperatures; however, driver satisfaction with the vest remains mixed. Some, like Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen, argue for a ban on the vest, citing discomfort and limited effectiveness. In contrast, others, including George Russell and Charles Leclerc, advocate for improved systems. The FIA has offered financial incentives for teams to enhance the design, aiming for solutions that last the entire race duration.
- •Drivers are split over the effectiveness and comfort of cooling vests.
- •Original designs have faced criticism for limited effectiveness and comfort issues.
- •The FIA is providing financial support for teams to develop better cooling solutions.
- •Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen express strong opposition to cooling vests.
- •George Russell highlights prioritizing performance over comfort in car design.
- 10:42 AMAutosport — "It should be banned" - F1 drivers still divided over cooling vests
- 10:41 AMYahoo Sports — "It should be banned" - F1 drivers still divided over cooling vests
- 10:41 AMMotorsport.com — "It should be banned" - F1 drivers still divided over cooling vests
"F1 drivers are split over the use and importance of cooling vests as the series is set for its fourth "heat hazard" race of 2026. Driver comfort in hot climates has been a point of conversation since the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, when several drivers experienced heat exhaustion symptoms. In response, the FIA and all F1 teams commissioned extensive research, ending up with a standard cooling vest ...Keep reading
"F1 drivers are split over the use and importance of cooling vests as the series is set for its fourth "heat hazard" race of 2026. Driver comfort in hot climates has been a point of conversation since the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, when several drivers experienced heat exhaustion symptoms. In response, the FIA and all F1 teams commissioned extensive research, ending up with a standard cooling vest ...Keep reading
"Isack Hadjar feels Formula 1 should do away with the series' cooling vests, while George Russell feels the FIA needs to step in to make them more robust
Sources
External links- AutosportOct 9, 2026, 10:42 AM"It should be banned" - F1 drivers still divided over cooling vests
F1 drivers are split over the use and importance of cooling vests as the series is set for its fourth "heat hazard" race of 2026. Driver comfort in hot climates has been a point of conversation since the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, when several drivers experienced heat exhaustion symptoms. In response, the FIA and all F1 teams commissioned extensive research, ending up with a standard cooling vest ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsOct 9, 2026, 10:41 AM"It should be banned" - F1 drivers still divided over cooling vests
Isack Hadjar feels Formula 1 should do away with the series' cooling vests, while George Russell feels the FIA needs to step in to make them more robust
- Motorsport.comOct 9, 2026, 10:41 AM"It should be banned" - F1 drivers still divided over cooling vests
F1 drivers are split over the use and importance of cooling vests as the series is set for its fourth "heat hazard" race of 2026. Driver comfort in hot climates has been a point of conversation since the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, when several drivers experienced heat exhaustion symptoms. In response, the FIA and all F1 teams commissioned extensive research, ending up with a standard cooling vest ...Keep reading
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