Cooling vest debate

The FIA considered making cooling vests mandatory two years ago but abandoned the idea after driver opposition.

Verstappen opposes cooling vests

Verstappen says the vest is uncomfortable and should remain optional, even if it means carrying half a kilogram of ballast.

Russell's stance

Russell wants to wear the vest but says Mercedes hasn't developed it sufficiently due to budget constraints.

Verstappen's response

Verstappen claims the heat is part of F1 training and that drivers should not make a fuss about it.

“I don’t need that cooling vest and I won’t use it. Maybe I suffer less from the heat, I guess”

Heat training

Verstappen says he has trained more in the heat to cope better with Sepang conditions than in 2017.

Sauna comment

Verstappen jokes that he might take Russell to a sauna to help him cope with the heat.

“It’s hot, but that’s all part of the game. You have to train for that.”