Formula 1 driver, Esteban Ocon, has voiced his concerns over the wearable cooling devices that are set to become a mandatory requirement under the sport’s 2026 regulations. Despite their mandatory status, Ocon highlighted that currently, these devices are impractical and unusable.
The cooling devices, which pump cooling fluid through tubes attached to a box in the car and onto a vest worn by the driver, are optional for the 2025 season. This is largely due to the fact they are retrofitted to the existing cars. However, by 2026, these devices will be integrated into the new electrical systems as per the new regulations, making them a compulsory part of the drivers’ in-car attire.
Speaking to Motorsport Week and other media outlets in Bahrain during pre-season testing, Ocon expressed his concerns over the current design and implementation of these devices. He emphasized that they are not beneficial to both the driver and the car in their current state.
In Ocon’s words, “At the moment we can’t use the cooling vest, I think no one can. That’s the reality of it.” The driver went on to explain the practical issues with the device, such as the large tubes that are uncomfortable and obstructive. Despite the best efforts of the FIA to provide a solution, Ocon insists that neither he nor his fellow driver Ollie Bearman are currently able to use the device.
The obligation to fit these devices onto the cars arises when ambient temperatures reach 31 degrees, as per FIA rules. However, Ocon maintains that without a more practical solution, he “[reckons] nobody’s in a position to use it” in its current format.
Reflecting on the upcoming F1 season, which is just two weeks away, Ocon seemed content with his new team, Haas, after his switch from Alpine in the off-season. He ended up in the top 10 of the running order for the first and only time in the week’s testing in the final session, a promising sign for the team.
When questioned about the potential of the team’s package to surprise their rivals, Ocon responded: “We will see. Until we obviously go flat out in qualifying in Melbourne, we are not going to know if we will surprise the others or not, but what I know is that we are focusing on the right things.”
Clearly, while the new cooling devices present a challenge, Ocon and his team are focusing their efforts on understanding their new car’s strengths and weaknesses, and preparing for the upcoming season with optimism.
