Max Verstappen Responds to George Russell's Call for Cooling Vest Rule Change Ahead of Bahrain GP

The upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, which is taking place in Malaysia due to political concerns, has been labeled a heat-hazard race by the FIA. Temperatures at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur are expected to exceed 31°C on race day.

Despite the intense heat, Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will not use cooling vests during the race. The team decided to focus their cost cap budget on upgrading car performance instead of developing robust cooling technology for the drivers.

George Russell Calls for FIA to Allow Cooling Vests

Speaking to The Times before the race, Russell expressed his belief that all drivers should have the option to wear cooling vests. He urged the FIA to revise the rules to permit this. Russell explained,

“We won’t be running the cooling vest because we haven’t put the resource into making it robust enough. I feel we need the FIA just to step in and say, ‘Here’s some money extra in the cost cap,’ or there’s an external company who’s going to develop it for everybody, you just put the money towards it. Because we should all be wearing it.

When it works, it works great. So I would like to wear it this week, and I would like to wear it next week. But the team asked me… look, we can develop it, and we can put the money towards it [but at the cost of performance].”

Verstappen Dismisses Russell's Complaints About Heat

Max Verstappen, who claimed pole position after a strong qualifying session, shared his opinion on Russell's remarks. The four-time world champion downplayed the issue, advising Russell to adjust to the conditions rather than make a fuss. Speaking to Telegraaf, Verstappen said,

“I don’t need it. Maybe I suffer a bit less from the heat.. I find a Finnish sauna at 85 degrees a lot hotter... You shouldn’t make a fuss. Yes, it is hot, but that’s part of it. You have to train for that.”

“When I was eighteen, I had a bit more trouble with these conditions. But after that, I started training more in the heat, such as in the sauna and a steam room, so that I can handle the sweating better and the fact that your head gets very hot. Maybe I should take him (Russell) to the sauna a few times.”

Race Lineup and Championship Standings

• Pole Position: Max Verstappen
• Second on Grid: Lewis Hamilton
• Third: Kimi Antonelli
• Russell's Starting Position: Seventh
• Drivers Ahead of Russell: Charles Leclerc (4th), Lando Norris (5th), Oscar Piastri (6th)
• Championship Standings: Antonelli leads, Russell second, 66 points behind

Red Bull showed impressive pace in qualifying, leaving Verstappen hopeful for his first win of the season. Meanwhile, Russell faces the challenge of closing the gap to teammate Antonelli in the championship race.