As part of the comprehensive “heat hazard” safety initiative, every Formula 1 team received explicit instructions to integrate an advanced, 11‑pound ‘driver cooling system’ into each of their cars. This apparatus consisted not merely of a single unit, but of several interconnected components designed to mitigate the punishing thermal conditions drivers now face at certain circuits. Central to the system was a reservoir that stored chilled fluid, connected to an intricate network of durable tubing, robust plumbing fixtures, and a specialized cooling vest intended to distribute the low‑temperature liquid evenly across the driver’s torso throughout the race.
The FIA issued guidance stating that the wearing of this vest, though strongly encouraged, was not an absolute requirement. Constructed from fire‑resistant material to comply with strict safety standards, the garment featured carefully designed internal tubing that allowed the cold liquid to circulate over the body, reducing core temperature and helping drivers maintain physical stability and mental sharpness over extended periods in the cockpit. In theory, this technology could act as a vital countermeasure to the extraordinary combination of heat generated by the car’s engine, ambient air temperature, and confined cockpit conditions that amplify discomfort and risk.
Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s director responsible for single‑seater racing categories, spoke candidly in the F1 paddock about the necessity of these interventions. He emphasized that, despite continuous technological progress and the implementation of numerous safety mechanisms over the decades, Formula 1 racing remains, at its core, an inherently dangerous endeavor. Tombazis recalled that the “heat hazard” designation originated roughly two years prior, during a particularly grueling event in Qatar. On that occasion, temperatures soared to extreme levels, and the physical toll on the athletes was alarming — several drivers were observed fainting after the race, barely able to exit their vehicles due to exhaustion and dehydration. His recollection served as a sobering reminder that even the fittest competitors can be overwhelmed when environmental stress collides with the demands of elite motor racing.
According to Tombazis, the introduction of the cooling vests represents a practical step toward minimizing those dangers, serving as a direct means to enable drivers to “keep their cool,” both literally and figuratively, under unrelenting heat. Nevertheless, the implementation of such equipment has not been universally embraced across the grid. Reactions from the drivers have varied, reflecting personal comfort preferences and differing interpretations of how the system might affect performance and maneuverability.
Max Verstappen, the Dutch‑Belgian driver representing Red Bull Racing and a multiple world champion, expressed clear reservations before the event. He remarked that he disliked the restrictive sensation caused by the tubes and expressed no desire to wear the vest during competition, prioritizing his customary sense of freedom and focus inside the car. In contrast, George Russell of Mercedes acknowledged that he had previously tested the vest and supported its adoption. In a statement reported by the BBC, Russell defended the system as a thoughtful, science‑based response to environmental challenges, underscoring the importance of driver well‑being even when it introduces slight ergonomic compromises.
Further insights came from Cameron Kelleher, the FIA’s director of communications, who corroborated that the devices, while effective in principle, were presently heavier than ideal. He admitted that development was ongoing and that the system remained a work in progress. The organization, he explained, intends to refine the design to achieve a lighter, more ergonomic balance between comfort and efficiency. Altogether, these discussions reveal the evolving landscape of Formula 1’s safety engineering — a continual balancing act between maintaining traditional performance expectations and embracing innovative technology designed to protect drivers from an increasingly unpredictable natural environment.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/f1-singapore-grand-prix-first-heat-hazard-race-2025-10
