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

Verstappen Reacts to Russell's Request on Cooling Vest Rules

The upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, held this year at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia due to political reasons, has been labeled a heat-hazard race by the FIA. Temperatures are forecast to rise above 31C on race day, presenting tough conditions for drivers.

Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have decided against wearing cooling vests during the race. Their team chose to focus its cost cap budget on car performance upgrades instead of developing more durable cooling gear.

Russell told The Times that all drivers should have access to cooling vests if they want them and urged the FIA to adjust regulations to allow this. He suggested extra funding or an external developer to make the technology available for everyone without impacting team budgets.

"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."

"When it works, it works great. So I would like to wear it this week, and I would like to wear it next week. But the team asked me… look, we can develop it, and we can put the money towards it [but at the cost of performance]."

Max Verstappen's Take on Russell's Comments

Max Verstappen, who claimed pole position after an outstanding qualifying session, dismissed Russell's concerns. The four-time world champion said Russell shouldn't overreact and needs to adjust to the heat conditions. Speaking with Telegraaf, Verstappen remarked:

"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."

"When I was eighteen, I had a bit more trouble with these conditions. But after that, I started training more in the heat, such as in the sauna and a steam room, so that I can handle the sweating better and the fact that your head gets very hot. Maybe I should take him (Russell) to the sauna a few times."

Race Starting Grid Highlights

• Pole Position: Max Verstappen
• Second on grid: Lewis Hamilton
• Third place: Kimi Antonelli
• Seventh place: George Russell
• Other notable starters: Charles Leclerc (4th), Lando Norris (5th), Oscar Piastri (6th)

Red Bull looked strong in qualifying, giving Verstappen confidence for his first win of the season. Russell sits second in the World Championship, trailing teammate Antonelli by 66 points.