Verstappen slams "ridiculous" F1 cooling vest plan for 2026, FIA responds

Max Verstappen will not use the cooling vest during the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and says it is “ridiculous” that the device could become mandatory next year – although the FIA clarifies that these discussions remain ongoing.

In Singapore, the FIA issued an official heat hazard sign for the first time ever in F1. The governing body can do this up to 24 hours before the official start of a competition if the forecast is 31C or higher. Once the warning is given, all teams are required to install the device for the cooling system.

The feature came as a response to the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, when several drivers became unwell due to the extreme heat. 

The use of the cooling vest itself is not yet mandatory, and drivers are free to choose, although the FIA has worked on the regulations to make sure that drivers who do wear the vest don’t suffer from a weight handicap. This means drivers without the vest must carry an extra 500g of ballast in the car to ensure a level playing field. 

Opinion in the paddock is divided so far. George Russell already used the vest in Bahrain and said he benefited from it on his way to second place in that race, but not all drivers are as positive, particularly about the comfort, and Verstappen is not convinced and has confirmed he will not wear the vest in Singapore.

“No, I’m not going to wear it. I don’t really suffer from the heat that much, and it’s going to be warm anyway. Sweating a bit is fine for me, and after 15 to 20 minutes the vest gets really hot as well. So, it doesn’t help at all,” Verstappen said.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

Verstappen’s biggest objection is not so much that the vest doesn’t work properly for him, but more that drivers may be forced to wear it in the future. 

“I just think it should be an option – that you can choose for yourself whether you want to wear it or not,” he told Dutch broadcaster Viaplay.

When pointed out that this is the case for now, Verstappen replied: “This season it is, yes, but at the moment it won’t be for next season. And I completely disagree with that. It’s a bit ridiculous to be honest. In the end it’s about your own safety and how you feel about it. I don’t think they should make that mandatory at all.” 

The FIA clarified to Autosport that the obligation to use it in 2026 is not set in stone yet. The cooling vest was one of the topics during Friday night’s drivers’ briefing in Singapore, where opinions were split.

Making the vest mandatory for 2026 is currently under consideration, but the FIA stressed that it is open to discussion with the drivers. It's precisely the conversation Verstappen wants to have with the federation, with the four-time world champion strongly preferring that wearing the vest remains a free choice in the coming years.