# Max Verstappen on Cooling Vests

> Verstappen: 'Maybe I should take Russell to the sauna'.
- Title: Max Verstappen on Cooling Vests · Motorsport | Shortify
- Summary: Verstappen: 'Maybe I should take Russell to the sauna'. Max Verstappen says F1 drivers train for heat and cooling vests are unnecessary.
- Keywords: max verstappen, george russell, fia, cooling vest, formula 1, red bull racing, malaysia grand prix, sepang, sports, cars, Max, Verstappen
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-responds-to-george-russell-maybe-i-should-take-him-to-the-sauna/10861581
- Author: Ronald Vording
- Published: 2026-10-03T13:48:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max verstappen, george russell, fia, cooling vest, formula 1, red bull racing, malaysia grand prix, sepang, sports, cars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Max Verstappen says F1 drivers train for heat and cooling vests are unnecessary.