Verstappen and Russell at odds: Debate heats up in Singapore

Max Verstappen and George Russell are split over Formula 1 cooling vests. Verstappen, who has repeatedly said he doesn’t want them, argues they’re unnecessary and that cables in the cockpit restrict movement. He also questions how long the systems actually work, saying he doesn’t see them delivering effectiveness for the duration he expects, including references to a limited cooling window. Russell, speaking during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, wants cooling vests used virtually every race, except when temperatures are extremely low. He says the effect of cockpit heat on performance is underestimated and calls on teams and the FIA to build a reliable solution. Isack Hadjar, Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, backs a ban, saying “it should be banned.”