From Motorsport · Filip Cleeren · · 1m
George Russell's Cooling Vest Debate
Mercedes driver George Russell wants FIA to mandate cooling vests after team refuses to develop one.
In brief
Mercedes driver George Russell wants FIA to mandate cooling vests after team refuses to develop one. George Russell urged FIA to require cooling vests for drivers in extreme heat after Mercedes declined to develop a custom solution. Originally reported by Motorsport.
George Russell's Cooling Vest Concerns
Mercedes driver George Russell called for FIA to make cooling vests mandatory during hot races.
“We won’t be running the cooling vest because we haven’t put the resource into making it robust enough”
Heat Hazard in 2026 Season
Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is the third heat hazard of 2026 season with a fourth likely next weekend.
“The FIA declares a so-called 'heat hazard' at the start of a grand prix weekend when ambient temperatures for an on-track session are predicted to exceed 31c”
Russell's Team Decision
Mercedes team decided against developing a bespoke cooling solution for Russell despite his preference.
“When it works, it works great. So, I would like to wear it this week, and I would like to wear it next week”
FIA Cost Cap Exemption
Teams received up to 125,000 usd cost cap exemption for cooling vest improvements.
“Motorsport.com understands teams were offered the opportunity to receive a 50,000 usd cost cap exemption”
Why Mercedes Didn't Act
Mercedes deemed the engineering resources for cooling vests not worth the benefit given rare heat conditions.
“With a heat hazard only declared a limited number of times per season, it appears Mercedes is one of the teams that haven't deemed it worth the engineering resources”
What Happens Next
FIA will likely require cooling vests for drivers in extreme heat conditions by next season.
“Russell called on the FIA to get involved again and effectively protect teams against themselves”
The bottom line
George Russell urged FIA to require cooling vests for drivers in extreme heat after Mercedes declined to develop a custom solution.
