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

The upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, held this year in Malaysia due to political issues, has been labeled a heat hazard by the FIA. With temperatures forecast to rise above 31C at Sepang International Circuit, the heat will be a major challenge for drivers.

Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will race without cooling vests. The team decided to allocate their cost cap budget to car performance upgrades rather than improving the durability of cooling equipment.

Russell Pushes for FIA to Allow Cooling Vests

Speaking to the Times, Russell argued that all drivers should have the option to wear cooling vests and urged the FIA to revise regulations. He suggested the FIA could either increase the cost cap or involve an external company to develop the technology for everyone.

• George Russell said: "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 on Cooling Vests

Starting from pole position after a strong qualifying session, four-time world champion Max Verstappen shared his thoughts on Russell's statements. He disagreed, suggesting Russell should adapt to the heat instead of complaining.

"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."

Qualifying Highlights and Starting Grid

• Max Verstappen: Pole position
• Lewis Hamilton: Front row alongside Verstappen
• Kimi Antonelli: Third place on grid, championship leader
• George Russell: Starts seventh
• Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri: Fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively

Red Bull showed strong pace during qualifying, boosting Verstappen's hopes for his first win of the season. Russell, second in the championship, trails teammate Antonelli by 66 points.