F1 Stars Hamilton and Verstappen Unite Against ‘Silly’ FIA Cooling Vest Mandate

In a rare moment of harmony amid their storied rivalry, Formula 1 legends Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have joined forces to decry the FIA’s proposed mandate for cooling vests in extreme heat conditions starting in 2026. The seven-time world champion Hamilton, now steering Ferrari’s scarlet machine, labeled the idea “silly,” echoing Verstappen’s blunt dismissal of the system as “ridiculous.” Their outspoken criticism, aired during the sweltering Singapore Grand Prix weekend, has ignited a fierce debate over driver autonomy versus safety in the high-stakes world of grand prix racing.

The controversy erupted against the backdrop of Marina Bay’s infamous night race, where the FIA issued its inaugural “heat hazard” warning on Thursday. With air temperatures forecasted to exceed 31 degrees Celsius and humidity levels hovering near 80%, the declaration triggered mandatory installation of driver cooling systems across all 10 teams. These systems—comprising a vest laced with cooling tubes connected to a tank of dry ice and glycol fluid—aim to combat the brutal cockpit environments that can push internal temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius. Teams must now carry an additional 5 kilograms of hardware, but drivers retain the choice to wear the vest or compensate with 0.5kg of ballast, preserving competitive balance.

Yet, as the paddock buzzed with pre-race preparations, Verstappen, the Red Bull ace and reigning four-time champion, made his stance crystal clear after Friday’s practice sessions. “I’m not intending to use it because I don’t like it,” he told reporters, his voice laced with frustration. “The cars aren’t designed for this extra space—where do you put the dry ice? After 15 or 20 laps, it’s gone anyway, and you’re left with hot water or tea pouring over you. It’s a bit ridiculous to force it on us.” Verstappen, who trialed the vest during free practice but ditched it for qualifying—where he slotted into P2 behind Mercedes’ George Russell—argued that safety enhancements shouldn’t infringe on personal choice. “The FIA always hides behind safety, but we could talk about improving pit entries or other risks first,” he added, referencing past incidents of loose wheels and debris hazards.

Hamilton, fresh off a P5 qualifying berth and adapting to his new Ferrari role after a storied Mercedes tenure, wasted no time aligning with his erstwhile nemesis. “I don’t think it should ever be forced on drivers,” the British icon declared post-qualifying, his tone measured but firm. “It’s itchy and uncomfortable—I’ve noted that before. And let’s be real: there have been no heat-related deaths in F1 history. Why mandate something that could make things worse?” Drawing from his 18 seasons on the grid, Hamilton emphasized the human element, recounting how drivers train rigorously for endurance events like Singapore. “We’ve managed these conditions for decades without passing out at 200 mph. Forcing gear that fails mid-race defeats the purpose.”

Their sentiments resonated in Friday’s drivers’ briefing, where a lively debate unfolded. Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, another skeptic, chimed in: “The system’s not ready— it can backfire and feel worse than nothing.” Conversely, voices like Mercedes’ Russell championed the tech, crediting it for his Bahrain podium earlier this year. “I’ve done 10 Singapores without issues, but physiology shows it gives a real edge,” Russell said, wiping sweat from his brow after topping qualifying. “I’m running it tomorrow—better safe than sorry.” Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg, swayed by teammate Alex Albon’s positive Saudi experience, plans to trial it, highlighting the paddock’s divide.

This pushback traces its roots to the FIA’s post-mortem on the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, a nightmarish sprint under floodlights where Lusail International Circuit became a cauldron of suffering. Ambient temperatures topped 32 degrees Celsius with 70% humidity, but cockpit heat soared to 60 degrees, turning the 57-lap affair into what drivers dubbed “torture.” Mercedes’ George Russell, then GPDA director, revealed over half the grid felt nauseous, with vision blurring and limbs weakening at triple-digit speeds. “It was beyond acceptable—I was close to blacking out,” he recounted. Williams’ Logan Sargeant retired mid-race from heat exhaustion, while Alpine’s Esteban Ocon vomited into his helmet, and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll teetered on unconsciousness. McLaren’s Lando Norris, who podiumed despite the ordeal, called it “dangerous,” prompting an FIA review and the cooling vest’s 2024 debut as an optional trial.

The vests, pioneered in endurance racing like Le Mans, circulate chilled fluid to regulate core body temperature, potentially slashing dehydration risks by 20-30%. But F1’s bespoke cockpits—cramped for aerodynamics and power units—pose integration headaches. Dry ice sublimates too quickly in 40-degree-plus engine bays, flipping the system from coolant to heater. “It’s innovative, but unproven for our demands,” Hamilton noted, advocating for iterative improvements over compulsion.

The FIA, undeterred, insists the 2026 mandate—tied to heat warnings above 31C—prioritizes welfare in an era of expanding calendars to scorching locales like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. “We’re open to dialogue, but evidence from Qatar compels action,” a spokesperson stated, hinting at potential tweaks like extended ballast options or vest redesigns. Under new regulations, non-compliance could invite penalties, escalating the stakes. Yet, as The Race reports, the governing body won’t abandon the concept, viewing it as non-negotiable progress.

As Sunday’s 62-lap grind looms under Marina Bay’s glittering skyline, the cooling vest saga underscores F1’s delicate balance: innovation versus tradition, safety versus the raw thrill of driver grit. With Verstappen chasing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings—trailing by 69 points—and Ferrari eyeing constructors’ glory, personal comfort could tip the scales. Will Hamilton and Verstappen’s chorus sway the FIA, or will 2026 dawn with mandatory chill? In Singapore’s steam, one thing’s certain: the heat is just getting started.