Max Verstappen Responds to George Russell Feud: “Maybe I should take him to the sauna!”

The contentious debate surrounding the use of cooling vests in Formula 1 has resurfaced during the race weekend in Malaysia. Two years ago, serious discussions took place behind the scenes regarding whether the FIA should make cooling vests mandatory equipment for all competitors. While the governing body expressed openness to the regulation, the proposal was ultimately dropped following pushback from multiple drivers who favored personal autonomy over cockpit comfort gear.

The Clash Over Budget Caps and Cockpit Temperatures

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen was among the most vocal opponents of the original initiative, branding the vests uncomfortable to wear in the cockpit and insisting the item must remain an optional choice—even if opting out requires carrying half a kilogram in ballast weight. While the FIA eventually agreed to keep the equipment entirely optional, Mercedes driver George Russell reignited the conversation at Sepang. George Russell explained that while he would prefer to utilize a cooling vest, Mercedes had not sufficiently developed the system due to resource allocation constraints enforced under the sport’s financial regulations. Consequently, George Russell argued that the FIA should grant teams additional budget cap allowance specifically for driver cooling innovations.

Max Verstappen swiftly dismissed George Russell’s call for financial and regulatory intervention. The four-time world champion reiterated his firm stance against the cooling equipment, asserting that managing extreme heat is a core aspect of what Grand Prix drivers prepare for through rigorous physical conditioning.

I don’t need that cooling vest and I won’t use it. Maybe I suffer less from the heat, I guess, Verstappen replied during his Dutch media session in the paddock. Once you’re in the car, yes, it’s hot, but that’s part of it. That’s what you train for, you have to make sure you’re fit enough for it. When you get out of the car after the race, of course you need to drink a lot and also quickly eat something.

Verstappen Challenges Sauna Comparisons and Emphasizes Conditioning

Addressing George Russell’s remarks comparing cockpit environments in tropical venues like Malaysia to driving inside a sauna, Max Verstappen contended that such descriptions are an overstatement and that regulatory steps by the FIA are unnecessary.

I think a proper Finnish sauna at 85 or 100 degrees is pretty hot! You shouldn’t make such a fuss either, Verstappen responded. It’s hot, but that’s all part of the game. You have to train for that. Of course it’s uncomfortable, but in every sport you have to push yourself to the limit. You can’t just stroll around.

Max Verstappen explained that handling high thermal loads comes down to targeted training routines. Having secured victory in 2017 at the most recent Malaysian Grand Prix held at Sepang, the Dutchman noted that he is far better prepared to manage extreme ambient temperatures today than he was during his early career.

Yes, I think I’m a bit fitter and stronger now than I was back then, Verstappen confirmed. When I was 18, I sometimes struggled a bit more with the heat as well. But ultimately, you just have to train more in the heat then, maybe in the sauna, so that you become more comfortable with it. It’s about being able to sit in there for longer, being able to cope with the sweating, your head getting really hot, all those kinds of things. So maybe I should take him [Russell] to the sauna sometime!

Why This Matters

Driver welfare versus sporting performance remains an ongoing dilemma in modern Formula 1, particularly at venues featuring punishing humidity and ambient temperatures. Under the cost cap era, teams must weigh every dollar spent between car performance and ergonomic systems. While George Russell views FIA-exempt funding as a necessary driver health measure, competitors like Max Verstappen see extreme conditions as an integral test of physical athleticism that separates driver capability. As the FIA monitors conditions at high-heat events, the balance between regulatory intervention, budget exemptions, and individual driver preference continues to divide the paddock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cooling vests mandatory in Formula 1?

No. While the FIA previously considered mandating cooling vests two years ago, strong resistance from drivers led the governing body to keep the equipment entirely optional, allowing drivers to choose whether to wear them.

Why did George Russell request an FIA budget cap adjustment?

George Russell indicated that Mercedes has not fully developed an effective cooling vest system because financial constraints under the F1 cost cap forced the team to prioritize other development areas. He suggested the FIA provide teams with extra budget specifically allocated for cooling solutions.

What is Max Verstappen’s stance on driver cooling equipment?

Max Verstappen opposes mandated cooling vests and rejects the idea of altering budget regulations for them. He maintains that operating in uncomfortable, high-temperature cockpits is a fundamental athletic challenge that drivers must prepare for through intense fitness and thermal adaptation training.