Formula 1 Controversy: Drivers Speak Out Against Unfair Use of Cooling Vests
In a heated turn of events at the GP Miami F1, drivers have raised concerns over the implementation of a new cooling system designed to help them combat extreme heat during races. The latest Cooling Top RB86 by Sparco made its debut in Miami, aiming to circulate chilled water through a special racing vest to ensure the drivers’ well-being in scorching conditions.
While the intention behind the system is to prioritize the health and safety of the drivers, a new controversy has emerged regarding its usage. Currently, the cooling vests are mandatory only when track temperatures exceed 31°C and the heat risk is officially declared by the race director. Until then, the decision to utilize the system remains optional and is at the discretion of the team.
Although previous versions faced criticism for being uncomfortable, the newest model has addressed many of these issues. However, a new dilemma has surfaced – only lighter drivers can realistically wear the vest without surpassing the car’s weight limit. This disparity has frustrated some drivers who perceive the rules as unjust.
Oliver Bearman, a newcomer at Haas who praised the effectiveness of the vest after testing it in Jeddah, expressed his disappointment in not being able to use it regularly due to his proximity to the minimum weight limit. He also criticized the current temperature threshold for mandatory usage as being too high, limiting the system’s benefits to only a few drivers under extreme conditions.
“I tested the system in Jeddah and was very pleased with it. Unfortunately, we cannot use it because we are too close to the weight limit. The temperature limit is too high. If it’s not officially declared that the race has high temperatures, only half of the drivers can benefit from the system. I find this a bit unfair,” Bearman stated in Miami.
Charles Leclerc from Ferrari echoed Bearman’s praise for the cooling vest, acknowledging its tangible impact during his trial. However, he confirmed that Ferrari would not allow its use unless it becomes mandatory. Leclerc also raised concerns about the system’s reliability, cautioning that a malfunction during a race could lead to overheating of the circulating fluid, causing discomfort – a factor that might make him hesitant to use it even if given the choice.
As the debate rages on in the F1 paddock, the future of the cooling system remains uncertain, with drivers divided over its fairness and effectiveness in enhancing their racing experience in extreme temperatures.
