Haas Driver Calls for Regulatory Adjustments on Cooling Vests Amid Heat Challenges
Haas’ Oliver Bearman has advocated for updates to FIA regulations concerning the newly introduced cooling vests designed for Formula 1 drivers enduring extreme temperatures, following notable instances of heat exhaustion during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.
In response to the season’s escalating temperatures, the FIA has implemented the use of driver-worn cooling vests, which may be utilized at the drivers’ discretion. However, if ambient temperatures exceed 31°C on the Thursday of race weekends, teams are permitted a 5kg increase in the weight limit to accommodate these devices without penalty. By 2025, while drivers can choose not to wear the vests, they will incur a 500g ballast addition to ensure competitive parity.
Bearman expressed concerns regarding the usage of cooling vests during races held below the ambient threshold, which has not been triggered consistently this season. He noted, "Some teams have the margin to run it, and some aren’t; that needs to change. If they never declare it hot enough, only half the teams benefit."
Other drivers, including Mercedes’ George Russell, echoed Bearman’s concerns, suggesting that lowering the threshold might provide more equity. Russell stated, "Maybe the heat hazard should be reduced slightly… Saudi was hot, Bahrain was hot, here [in Miami] – maybe it could be adjusted by a few degrees."
Although the FIA maintains its position on the 31°C threshold, discussions on using real-time forecasts on race day instead of earlier predictions have surfaced, though this approach faces resistance from teams concerned about late cockpit adjustments.
The cooling vests themselves have received varied reviews. Bearman and Russell acknowledged improvements in performance despite some discomfort during races, with Bearman noting, "Even if it just works for 10, 15, or 20 laps of the race, it’s game-changing."
Moving forward, the FIA plans to mandate these vests in hot races beginning next season, allowing teams the remainder of 2023 to refine their applications. The ongoing dialogue highlights a significant intersection of performance and safety standards in Formula 1 racing.
