Max Verstappen issues clear-cut stance over 'stupid' driver aid

Max Verstappen has insisted he will not use the cooling vest on offer this weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix due to the “stupid” cables that cause limitations.

With a heat hazard declared by the FIA in Singapore, drivers now have the option to use the cooling vest, designed to offer relief in extreme conditions.

The concept originated after several drivers fell ill after the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.

But Verstappen has insisted that he will not be making use of it in Singapore, despite it often being the toughest physical challenge the drivers will face all year.

“For me, it's not needed,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365. “Yes, it's hot, but it's not a sauna.

“And with the cooling vest, you have these stupid cables in your car, so you're just limiting your movement as well.

“I don't need it. Even if it would work for one and a half hours, cool. But I don't need it. 

“It doesn't work anyway for one and a half hours. I've never [heard], in any category, that it has worked for one and a half hours.”

Verstappen has 'unfinished business' in Singapore

Verstappen enters the Singapore race weekend having bagged his first win of the season last time out in Malaysia.

Curiously, despite his vast success throughout his F1 career, he has not yet stood on the top step of the podium at the Marina Bay Circuit.

It is a shortcoming the four-time champion is seeking to rectify this weekend.

“In the last few years we've always been bad at low speed, low speed and just kerbing, bumps,” Verstappen said.

“This car is probably more competitive in low speed, but we still struggle on bumps and kerbs. 

“I have unfinished business when you have not won the race. Naturally, every year I come back and I'm trying to win it.

“But it also needs to be realistic. But I always try every single year, and I hope that we can be a little bit more competitive this year.”