Verstappen Slams F1 Cooling Vest Plan as McLaren Eyes Title
Singapore is the only grand prix on the F1 calendar that Max Verstappen has not won

Verstappen Slams F1 Cooling Vest Plan as McLaren Eyes Title

‘I Don’t Like It’: Verstappen Blasts F1’s Cooling Vest Mandate Ahead of Singapore GP

Max Verstappen has criticized the FIA’s push to mandate cooling vests during “heat hazard” races, calling it a personal choice issue and questioning the system’s practicality ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver, who qualified P2 behind George Russell, dismissed the device’s effectiveness and safety, especially in the tight confines of modern F1 cockpits.

“I feel like this needs to be the driver’s choice… I don’t like it. The tubes are annoying and it’s not designed for our cars. After 15-20 laps, the ice melts and you’re just pumping hot water,” Verstappen said.

What Is the Cooling Vest Controversy?

Singapore has always been physically brutal on drivers due to 30°C heat with 70% humidity, long race duration, and constant gear shifts on a bumpy street circuit. The FIA introduced “heat hazard” classification this year, recommending mandatory cooling vests starting in 2026.

These vests circulate glycol-cooled liquid through a tube system to reduce core body temperatures. But Verstappen and others argue the vest’s drawbacks — limited race duration, cockpit space, and potential overheating if the dry ice fails — outweigh any benefit.

The Grid Is Split

  • George Russell (Mercedes): “I’ll run it. It’s not perfect, but we’ve made big improvements with cockpit cooling.”

  • Oscar Piastri (McLaren): “Still undecided. If it fails, it’s worse than not having it.”

  • Verstappen (Red Bull): “No space in the cockpit. This must remain optional, not mandatory.”

McLaren Poised for Early Constructors’ Championship

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc wearing one of the cooling vests in Singapore

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc wearing one of the cooling vests in Singapore

Oscar Piastri leads the drivers’ championship by 25 points over teammate Lando Norris, while McLaren can seal the Constructors’ Championship unless:

  • Mercedes outscore them by 31 points

  • Ferrari outscore them by 35 points

It would equal Red Bull’s 2023 record of clinching the title with six races remaining.

Despite their form dipping, McLaren’s tyre management and heat resilience make them well-positioned in Singapore. Team boss Andrea Stella admits the car hasn’t thrived on short-corner, high-braking tracks like Marina Bay, but strategic tyre use could be key.

Norris Frustrated, But Focused on Climb

Last year’s Singapore winner Lando Norris, who starts behind Piastri, is not expecting an easy race:

“You need to be a second quicker to overtake here. That’s tough. I’m on the back foot, but we’ll try.”

Despite the gap to Piastri and a tricky car setup, Norris said the focus is on points, not pressure:

“I’m behind the people I need to be behind. No panic. Just get my head down and make the most of tomorrow.”

What’s Next?

With Singapore’s punishing layout, cooling strategies, tyre management, and overtaking chances will define race day. McLaren could wrap up the title, Verstappen could reignite his campaign, and the FIA’s cooling vest plan will remain under the spotlight.

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