Extreme Heat in F1 Cockpits: Cooling Vests for Drivers in Singapore

In response to the extreme heat conditions anticipated during the Singapore Grand Prix, Formula 1 has implemented a new regulation aimed at protecting driver health. With air temperatures expected to exceed 31 degrees Celsius and high humidity levels, the race organizers have authorized the use of cooling vests for drivers, marking a significant first in the sport.

Mercedes driver George Russell, representing the drivers' union, expressed support for the decision, noting the challenging conditions in the cockpits that can reach up to 60 degrees Celsius. He described the experience as akin to being in a sauna while racing.

Although the mandatory use of cooling vests will only take effect next year, teams will not benefit from avoiding their use during this race. If a driver opts not to wear a cooling vest, they must compensate by carrying an additional ballast of 500 grams in their car. All teams are required to retrofit their cars with a cooling system that includes a coolant tank, pumps, and a heat exchanger for the vests.

The minimum weight of the cars has been adjusted to 805 kilograms for the race, increasing by 5 kilograms to accommodate the cooling equipment. Williams driver Carlos Sainz commented on the potential benefits of the vests, stating that while he is not overly concerned about equipment failure, he acknowledges that functioning cooling systems can alleviate some discomfort.

The Singapore Grand Prix is notorious for its grueling conditions, often regarded as one of the toughest races on the Formula 1 calendar, lasting around two hours on the challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit.

This new heat regulation was introduced following the extreme conditions experienced during the Qatar Grand Prix two years ago, where many drivers faced severe dehydration and had to seek medical attention due to heat-related ailments.

Drivers are at risk of overheating, as they wear multiple layers of fire-resistant clothing, including helmets and balaclavas. Additionally, the water in their drinking bottles can heat up significantly during races in hot climates, making it difficult to stay hydrated. Drivers can lose as much as five liters of fluid during a race while only having access to one liter in their bottles.

While the cooling vest system is still undergoing development, some teams have reported challenges with their effectiveness; in preliminary tests, the vests sometimes failed to provide adequate cooling beyond the first 20 minutes. Some drivers have also reported discomfort due to the cooling tubes pressing against them in the confined cockpit space during high-speed turns.

Fernando Alonso acknowledged this compromise, admitting that while the vests might be less comfortable, they do offer a cooler racing experience. However, not every driver plans to utilize the cooling vests during the race, with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc expressing confidence in managing without them, despite the expected heat.