Kimi Antonelli reveals 'heat stroke' deterrent to using F1 safety device

Kimi Antonelli has confirmed that two bad experiences last year have deterred him from using the cooling vest for this weekend's race in Singapore, where a heat hazard has been declared for the fourth time this season.

Ahead of the race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Antonelli has confirmed that he suffered "a heat stroke" at the end of sprint qualifying for the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin due to a water pump failure that led to hot water being distributed.

The vest remains a divided subject amongst the drivers, with some believing it to be beneficial, whilst others like Antonelli feel it to be a nuisance.

Asked for his thoughts on the vest, and which side of the fence he was on, the championship-leading Mercedes driver said: "I don't worry because when I worried last year, I had two very bad experiences.

"The first time it didn't work for as long as we had hoped, and the second time, the pump system failed. I did the whole session with the system pumping the water at 50 degrees, so I suffered a heat stroke after the session. It wasn't very pleasant.

"Ever since, I've been like, I'm going to train hard, so I don't have to use it for the weekends."

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Antonelli seeking assurances

Antonelli has not ruled out the prospect of using the vest in the future, provided it works properly.

"If we get to a point where it's developed, and we have the confidence that it's going to work every time, and for the time that we need it, I think it's very nice because it definitely keeps you cool," he said.

"But now there's so much uncertainty, that we're not so sure. Imagine on Sunday, you put it on, and after 30 minutes, it doesn't work anymore, and hot water is even worse.

"So on that side, I just want to be sure it's going to be fine, and that it's going to be well developed. When we have the confidence, then maybe I will put it [back on], but right now I will just train to be ready for any conditions."