# F1 drivers split on cooling vests

> F1 drivers remain divided over whether cooling vests should be banned or improved.
- Title: F1 drivers split on cooling vests · Autosport | Shortify
- Summary: F1 drivers remain divided over whether cooling vests should be banned or improved. F1 drivers are split on banning cooling vests due to limited effectiveness…
- Keywords: cooling vests, mercedes, red bull racing, george russell, isack hadjar, kimi antonelli, max verstappen, alpine, ferrari, charles leclerc, williams, drivers
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/it-should-be-banned-f1-drivers-still-divided-over-cooling-vests/10863347
- Author: Filip Cleeren
- Published: 2026-10-09T10:42:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: f1, cooling vests, mercedes, red bull racing, george russell, isack hadjar, kimi antonelli, max verstappen, alpine, ferrari, charles leclerc, williams
## F1 drivers split on cooling vests
F1 drivers remain divided over whether cooling vests should be banned or improved.
## Heat hazard race
The series faces its fourth heat hazard race of 2026 after drivers experienced heat exhaustion symptoms at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.
## FIA response
The FIA commissioned research ending with a standard cooling vest that circulates water through a tube system for temperatures exceeding 31c.
## Heat hazard rule
When temperatures exceed 31c, the FIA declares a heat hazard forcing drivers to use the vest or add 0.5kg of ballast to the car.
## Cost cap for teams
Teams can improve the cooling vest design with a 50,000 usd cost cap exemption for full race duration or 75,000 usd for comfort and effectiveness.
## George Russell's stance
Mercedes driver George Russell called for the FIA to step in and improve the regulatory framework for cooling vests.
## Isack Hadjar's stance
Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar said cooling vests should be banned because they are supposed to be tough.

> I think it should be banned, because it's supposed to be tough
## Max Verstappen's stance
Max Verstappen stated cooling vests are unnecessary and limit driver movement with their cables.

> For me it's not needed. Yes it's hot, but it's not a sauna, and with this cooling vest you have these stupid cables in your car, so it's just limiting your movement as well
## Kimi Antonelli's experience
Kimi Antonelli had two bad experiences with the cooling vest causing heat stroke during his debut campaign.

> The first time it didn't work as long as we hoped for. The second time, the pump system failed and I did the whole session with the system pumping the water at 50 degrees. I suffered a heat stroke after the session, so it wasn't very pleasant
## Key takeaway

F1 drivers are split on banning cooling vests due to limited effectiveness and comfort issues.