Verstappen Voices Displeasure Over Cooling Vest, Whereas Russell Aims to Make Use of It
Max Verstappen Has Slammed F1's Temperature-Regulation Gear Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, That Was Declared a 'Heat Hazard'.
Verstappen, Qualifying Behind Russell Behind Mercedes' George Russell, Stated He Was "Not Intending to Employ" the Cooling Vest "As It Doesn't Suit Me."
He Stated His Resistance to Plans by F1's Governing Body to Enforce Vest Usage in Races Designated as Heat Risks Starting Next Year.
Russell Indicated He'll Employ the System, Whereas McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Who Qualified Third, Had Not Decided About Using It.
The FIA Designated the Marina Bay Event a ‘Heat Hazard’ Owing to Going Beyond a Metric That Includes Elevated Temperatures with Substantial Dampness.
Qualifying Session Temperatures Reached 30C with 70% Humidity, Amid Comparable Weather Expected for Sunday's Race.
Why Singapore Presents Extreme Challenges – And How Drivers Seek to Lower Temperatures
This Race Is Regarded as the Most Demanding For Competitors Due to the Conditions, Combined with a Long, Rough City Track and The Fact It's the Most Prolonged Event in F1 at Close to 120 Minutes.
The 'Heat Hazard' Label Was Only Applied Since the Regulation Became Active Recently. The Conditions Are Virtually the Same to Previous Races Here From the Start in 2008, Thus Racers Are Thoroughly Ready to Manage the Challenges.
Racers Utilize Additional Methods to Cool Down Internally Prior to Getting In, Including Cold Immersion.
Constructors Create Their Own Cooling Systems, But Most Are Similar – Involving a Container of Frozen Carbon Dioxide Through Which a Liquid Like Glycol Is Pumped Prior to Flowing Via a Hose in a Garment Used by Racers.
Verstappen's Reasoning for Dislike of the Vest
Verstappen Stated He Feels the Technology and Associated Regulations Are Problematic.
"I Didn't Employ the System," He Noted. "I Won't Be Using It. As I Think This Should Be the Racer's Decision.
"In the View of Regulators, Safety Is Their Justification. However, We Can Address Many Other Aspects That Could Enhance Safety, Such as Pit Lanes in Specific Locations. In My Opinion, That Deserves Higher Priority Than a Vest in the Car.
"I Disapprove of It. The Tubing Is Uncomfortable That Rest on You and Near the Restraint Systems. Officials Could Argue It's a Poor Design. I Reject That. It Simply Needs to Be an Decision for Competitors.
"Some Prefer It, Others Don't. That's Fine. It Ought to Be Individual Choice. Certainly, I Understand, Currently, It's Optional. But Likely Next Year They May Not Allow That. And That Is Incorrect.
"Additionally, the Challenge With Different Cars or Alternative Machines, Space Is Plentiful to Accommodate Gear, or at Least Cables.
"Within Our Vehicles, Space Is Limited That There Is No Room, or Inadequate Room. That Presents an Issue I Believe.
"Additionally, How Can You Store the Frozen CO2? The Cars Are Not Designed for This Extra Space. After a Short Stint, It's Depleted Anyway. And You Have Hot Water Flowing in the Tubes."
Verstappen's Final Comment Emphasizes an Issue with the System Where If the Dry Ice Fails to Remain Frozen Sufficiently, the Liquid Circulating Takes on Surrounding Heat.
As F1 Cars Reach Temperatures Exceeding 40C In Events, This Implies the Fluid Circulating in Would Actually Heat Competitors Instead of Refreshing.
However, Russell Said: "I'll Use It. I've Utilized It In Some Grands Prix This Season. It Isn't Perfect Yet. Moreover, the Fact Remains Testing Isn't Possible, Assessment Is Limited in a Race Setting.
"So, in Bahrain, It Worked Well. I Used It in Saudi Arabia. It Was Fine. Yet Here It Is Much Hotter.
"Yet Mercedes Has Advanced the Technology with Car Cooling Itself. We Noticed Certain Significant Problems Regarding Heat Seepage.
"Driver Compartment Reached 60 Degrees in Events, and Just Rearranging Certain Parts and High-Temp Lines That Operate at 120C Close to Drivers Makes a Big Difference on the Heat. I'll Report Back Later Regarding Performance."
Piastri, Who Leads Stated: "I Still Haven't Decided On Utilizing the System. I Tested It Earlier. The Challenge Lies In with the Suit Is It Works Well When Operating. However, If It Fails, It's More Detrimental.
"I Believe the Initiative Is Praiseworthy. But, Similar to Verstappen, Decision-Making Is Crucial On Its Usage Is Key As Advantages and Disadvantages Exist."
The Split Within the Top Three Is Anticipated to Be Evident Among All Competitors.
McLaren Ready for Team Title
Piastri Leads the Championship {by