Sainz and Ocon see value in F1 cooling vests despite their limits

At the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon argued that F1’s cooling vests are worth having, despite their limits. Charles Leclerc also said he would prefer an improved design but still values the cooling it offers.

Sainz called the vest one of Williams’ successful development efforts this year. He said it had made conditions better in the cockpit for him and Alex Albon. Williams had prioritised the system more than Mercedes, Sainz said, and it was working better as a result.

Ocon described the vest as a major physical-performance gain, but said it lasts about 40 minutes: after that, hot fluid continues circulating in the heat of the car. He still welcomed having a system, noting that he had raced his whole career without one before its introduction.

Leclerc said he would always take a better vest, but that even one working well for 15 to 20 laps would be worthwhile, despite drivers feeling warm for the rest of the race.

That support is not shared across the grid. Hadjar said the vests should be banned because racing is supposed to be tough; Verstappen said he did not need one and disliked how its cables restricted movement.

Singapore is the fourth heat-hazard event of 2026. When temperatures are expected to exceed 31°C, drivers must use a vest or add 0.5kg of ballast to the car.