Max Verstappen Secures Pole Position in Thrilling Sprint Qualifying at United States Grand Prix

During the recent Formula 1 event at Austin, Kimi Antonelli raised concerns regarding the performance of safety cooling vests. These vests, introduced to protect drivers from high temperatures, malfunctioned during his session.
Kimi Antonelli’s Experience with Cooling Vest
After finishing 11th in the sprint qualifying, Antonelli explained that he faced physical challenges during the session. He noted, “I was wearing the cooling vest and we had a failure in the cooling, so instead of cooling it was warming me up.” This incident highlights significant issues with the new technology.
Critical Temperatures and Safety Concerns
This race marked the second consecutive event where temperatures exceeded 87.8°F (31°C), a threshold that prompts the FIA to declare a heat hazard. Under such conditions, teams must utilize cooling devices, or risk adding weight if drivers opt out of wearing the cooling shirts. Given the severe heat in Austin, the need for functional cooling systems is urgent.
Driver Feedback on Cooling Vests
- Many drivers have reported discomfort with the cooling vests.
- The pipes connecting to the vests can be cumbersome and uncomfortable during high-speed drives.
- Installing the system in a tight cockpit poses significant challenges due to the long pipes required.
Antonelli’s incident is alarming, as it suggests that if the cooling system fails, it can instead elevate a driver’s temperature. With cooling technology set to become a standard feature in all F1 cars by 2026, further improvements and research on these cooling vests are critical.