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

Before the Bahrain Grand Prix, set to take place in Malaysia due to political reasons, temperatures at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur are expected to exceed 31°C. The FIA has labeled this race a heat-hazard event.

Despite the intense heat, Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will not be using cooling vests during the race. Mercedes chose to allocate their cost cap budget towards car upgrades rather than investing in more durable cooling technology.

George Russell Calls for Rule Change on Cooling Vests

Speaking to The Times, Russell expressed his frustration, urging the FIA to allow all drivers access to cooling vests if desired. He suggested either increasing the cost cap or involving an external company to develop the technology for all teams, so no one is disadvantaged.

“We won’t be running the cooling vest because we haven’t put the resource into making it robust enough,” Russell said. “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.”

Russell also shared that although he would like to use the cooling vest this weekend and in upcoming races, his team prioritized performance improvements over developing the vest.

Verstappen’s Take on Russell’s Complaints

Max Verstappen, starting from pole after an impressive qualifying session, offered his perspective on Russell’s demands. The four-time world champion dismissed the complaints, suggesting Russell should adapt to the heat instead of making a fuss.

“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.”

He added that when he was younger, he found such conditions tougher but improved by training in heat environments like saunas and steam rooms. Verstappen even joked about taking Russell to the sauna to help him adjust better.

Race Starting Grid Highlights

  • Pole Position: Max Verstappen
  • Second Place on Front Row: Lewis Hamilton
  • Third Place: Kimi Antonelli
  • George Russell: Seventh place start
  • Other Notable Starters: Charles Leclerc (4th), Lando Norris (5th), Oscar Piastri (6th)

Red Bull looked strong in qualifying, and Verstappen seems well-positioned to claim his first win of the season. Meanwhile, Russell sits second in the World Championship standings, trailing teammate Antonelli by 66 points.

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