Mercedes among teams opting not to use F1 driver cooling vests
Driver cooling systems have become a major talking point amid extreme heat and humidity during the Southeast Asian double-header. Mercedes has confirmed it opted out of the FIA-backed cooling vest program despite a financial allowance for teams to develop the liquid-cooled aid.
Extreme heat and humidity during the Southeast Asian double-header have put a heavy physical strain on the 2026 Formula 1 grid. In response to concerns about heat exhaustion, driver cooling systems have become a prominent topic in the paddock.
The FIA created a financial allowance to help teams develop liquid-cooled driver vests. Mercedes confirmed that it chose not to take part in that program.
The Race reported that Mercedes is among the teams that believes it cannot afford to run the cooling vests. Motorsport.com said the decision drew attention in the paddock because the FIA support was specifically intended to encourage development of the system.
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