“Am I confident? Probably not” – The unprecedented challenge Singapore is throwing at F1 drivers
The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix is upon us, and it will be a little different to the previous 16 editions of that Formula 1 race. For the first time, the Marina Bay Street Circuit will host a sprint weekend, but it also will differ from other sprint weekends, for scheduling reasons. The only free practice session and the sprint will take place in the afternoon, while both qualifying sessions and…
Formula One drivers are divided over the use of cooling vests as they prepare for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, which is expected to face sweltering conditions. Four-time champion Max Verstappen is among the skeptics, stating that the vests are not necessary despite the heat hazard declared by the FIA. He finds the cooling technology limiting and believes it doesn't perform well enough for the duration of the race.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc would opt for the vest if it lasted longer than 20 laps, but acknowledges it could be detrimental after that point. Mercedes' Kimi Antolin admits he had bad experiences with the vest last year, citing issues with the pump system and heat stroke. However, Mercedes' teammate George Russell strongly advocates for cooling vests, describing the lack of them as akin to drivers hallucinating or struggling to breathe during races.
He believes that engineering and manufacturing resources should be dedicated to making the system work effectively, in order to provide a significant benefit for drivers.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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