Isack Hadjar advocates for the prohibition of F1 cooling vests: "It should be challenging."
Red Bull Formula 1 racer Isack Hadjar asserts that cooling vests should be prohibited in the championship, emphasizing that the intense physical demands are a crucial aspect of motor racing.
The discussion around cooling vests reemerged at the recent Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia due to the severe heat and humidity at the Sepang International Circuit. However, the use of this equipment has garnered mixed reactions from the drivers.
While some drivers appreciate the artificial cooling, others have expressed concerns about the fit and efficiency of the system. It appears to function well for a few laps by circulating cool liquid throughout the body via tubes in a fire-resistant top worn beneath the race suit, but as temperatures rise inside the cockpit, so does the temperature of the liquid in the tubes.
When questioned about his stance amidst the varying opinions on the grid, Hadjar made his position clear, contending that artificial cooling aids have no place in F1.
"I believe it should be banned. Because it's meant to be challenging," the Red Bull driver told Motorsport.com and other media outlets in Singapore.
Hadjar's teammate, four-time champion Max Verstappen, also argued that the cooling vest was "unnecessary," stating that he would refrain from using it even if it remained cool throughout an entire grand prix.
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
"For me, it's not necessary," the Dutchman remarked. "Sure, it's hot, but it's not a sauna, and with this cooling vest, you have these awkward cables in your car, which restricts your movement as well.
"I don't require it, even if it could last for one and a half hours, like being cool for that long, I still don't need it, but it doesn't last for one and a half hours anyway. I don’t think it has ever lasted that long in any category."
If a heat hazard is announced, teams and drivers have the choice of utilizing their own cooling vest systems or carrying ballast instead, ensuring that there is no weight disadvantage for those using the vests.
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