Max Verstappen criticises F1 safety measure: 'A bit ridiculous'

Max Verstappen has criticised F1's plans to make cooling vests mandatory next season, calling the move "ridiculous" after the FIA issued its first official heat warning for this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

After trialling the vest in practice on Friday around the Marina Bay Street Circuit, the four-time F1 champion has opted not to use it for the remainder of the weekend, despite temperatures exceeding the trigger of 31 degrees Celsius, combined with oppressive humidity levels.

Drivers currently face a 0.5kg ballast penalty if they opt against wearing the vest, but the choice will be removed entirely in 2025 as the FIA has decreed that the wearing of the vest will be mandatory if heat warnings are issued.

Reflecting on the use of the vest on Friday, Verstappen was far from happy with how it performed.

"It doesn't bother me that much, and it gets hot anyway," said Verstappen, speaking to Viaplay. "A little sweat is okay, and that cooling vest gets hot after 15 to 20 minutes, so there's no use for it."

As to being forced to wear it next season, Verstappen added: "I totally disagree with that. A bit ridiculous. We have to talk about that.

"In the end, it's just about your own safety, however you feel about it. They shouldn't force that on you, I don't think."

The mandatory introduction follows growing concerns about driver welfare in increasingly extreme conditions.