Lewis Hamilton has conveyed his scepticism at one of Formula 1‘s new forthcoming technical additions – the cooling vest system.
The cooling vests, which will become mandatory next year, are designed to provide drivers relief from scorching temperatures, and stave off health concerns they bring.
Implementation of the vests will formally come into effect in 2026, as the system will be seamlessly connected to the cars that will be rolled-out as part of the new regulations.
Usage will be enforced when the ambient temperature reaches 31 degrees, but drivers who opt not to use them will be required to fit a 5kg ballast to compensate for its weight.
Some drivers are currently experimenting with the devices now, with George Russell signalling a positive stance on his own usage at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
But in pre-season testing, Haas’ Esteban Ocon claimed that “no one” could use them due to its bulkiness and its subsequent compatibility in the cockpit.
Hamilton, speaking to media including Motorsport Week, said that the physical challenge, including dealing with the heat, is part and parcel of the sport.
“I’ve only had two races in my career when it’s been [extreme conditions],” he said.
“My first year in Malaysia, my drink didn’t work and I was dehydrated at the end of the race.
“And then Singapore last year was pretty brutal. But I love that. We’re supposed to be at the top, the highest of the highs in terms of athletes. It needs to be tough.
“If anything, the cars today are easier to drive than when I started in F1. They’re a lot heavier.”
Hamilton added that he has always been methodical about his preparation to prevent such an issue happening in the race.
“I don’t want to use it if I can avoid it. I want to look at how I can prepare better, how I can use a cooling vest before, how I can pre-cool my body, how I can make sure I’m hydrated. That’s a part of the whole process.
“I do understand that it’s tough and we don’t want drivers passing out when we go to Qatar, that one race where it was extremely hot for the drivers, which I actually crashed out of, so I didn’t get to do it.
“I think it’s good that they’ve got the technology in there, but for me, it’s not what I want to see in my car. That’s just my opinion.”
Cooling vests to prevent further illness incidents
The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix was the catalyst for such a debate and rule change, with many drivers suffering under the extremity of the conditions.
Some were quick to seek medical attention after the race, with Williams’ Logan Sargeant and Ocon – then at Alpine – amongst those most badly affected.
Ocon said that he vomited in his helmet during the race, and Sargeant was forced to retire due to the illness the heat brought on.
Hamilton was also quick to comment then, too, urging F1 to not become “too soft”, adding: “My feeling towards it is… this is an extreme sport. You don’t have marathon runners who are passing out after the marathon, saying you have got to make it shorter.”
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