OFFICIAL: Max Verstappen is again criticized by FIA over Red Bull Racing’s cooling vest regulations that go against the spirit of Formula 1 and cause anger among fans
In the sweltering paddock of the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, the FIA has issued another warning to Red Bull Racing and their star player Max Verstappen. The international motorsport federation is criticizing the team’s interpretation of the cooling vest regulations, which they say are not only contrary to the letter of the rules, but above all to the spirit of Formula 1. These regulations, intended to protect drivers from extreme heat, are now causing a wave of anger among fans who see the sport as an unfair playing field. The incident, which took place during the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, marks a new escalation in tensions between the reigning champion and the regulator.
The core of the problem lies with the cooling vests, a relatively new tool in Formula 1 that was introduced in 2024 as an experiment after the hellish temperatures in Qatar the year before. These vests, equipped with tubes that pump cooled liquid – often glycol mixed with dry ice – through the body, should help drivers in races where cockpit temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Teams are required to install cooling systems in the cars under an official FIA heat warning, such as the one first issued in Singapore with temperatures of 31 degrees and 80 percent humidity. However, drivers can still choose the vest: if they do not wear it, they must take 500 grams of extra ballast with them to prevent a competitive advantage.
However, Red Bull Racing, with Verstappen at the wheel, has applied these regulations in a way that the FIA has described as ‘creative’ but unacceptable. According to sources within the federation, the team has found a loophole by minimizing the cooling system to the bare minimum, while Verstappen completely ignores the vest. Instead of the prescribed 50 meters of pipes and a full-fledged tank of dry ice, Red Bull would have used a simplified setup that barely cools, but does meet the formal requirements. This results in a car that is lighter than intended, providing a small but measurable advantage in cornering and acceleration. “This undermines the safety and fair play that characterizes Formula 1,” an FIA spokesperson said in an official statement published today. “The spirit of the rule is to protect drivers, not to allow teams to bypass them for a split second.”
Verstappen himself, the four-time world champion who missed pole position in Singapore but qualified second behind George Russell of Mercedes, had no intention of wearing the vest. “I tried it on Friday, but after 15 to 20 minutes it actually gets warmer. I do sweat a bit, that’s fine. This should be a driver’s choice, not something the FIA imposes under the guise of safety,” he told Viaplay after qualifying. His rejection led to fierce discussions in the drivers’ briefing on Friday, where Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc also joined his criticism. Hamilton, the seven-time champion, called the vests “ridiculous” and pointed out that no driver has ever died from heat in the history of F1. “We have bigger safety problems, such as intake lanes on circuits. Prioritize that,” he grumbled.
Anger among fans flared up, especially on social media. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, discussions exploded with hashtags like #BoycottRedBull and #FIASafetyFail. “Red Bull cheats again, Verstappen gets everything for free,” tweeted a fan from the Netherlands, while a British supporter responded: “This is not the spirit of F1 – it’s a circus of rules and tricks.” A poll on a popular F1 forum showed that 68 percent of respondents think Red Bull should be punished with grid penalties. The controversy escalates the broader discussion about cooling vests, which will become mandatory for heat warnings from 2026. The FIA then plans for the systems to be powered by the electrical systems of the new cars, with no further option available. Teams like Red Bull fear this will complicate their designs, while critics like Verstappen see it as patronizing.
Frustration has been bubbling behind the scenes for some time. In Bahrain earlier this season, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon called the vests “unusable” due to the uncomfortable tubes that rub against the belts. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz admitted that non-carriers are at a disadvantage in long races, but argued for voluntariness. The FIA counters with data: in Qatar 2023, cockpit temperatures rose to 50 degrees, and medical experts warn of dehydration and heat stroke. “We are improving technology; teams must cooperate, not sabotage,” the federation said. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner responded diplomatically: “We respect the rules, but safety should not be an excuse for unfair disadvantages. We are working on better vests.”
This affair touches the core of Formula 1: a sport where innovation and speed collide with strict regulation. Verstappen, who has already faced criticism this season for his radio outbursts and team orders, is now at the center of a debate that is dividing fans. Some see him as a hero who fights against bureaucracy, others as a privileged person who bends the rules. With the title battle still open – McLaren is pushing with Lando Norris – this cooling vest issue could undermine Red Bull’s lead. The FIA is now considering a formal hearing, possibly with fines or adjustments to the car. Fans call for transparency: “Show us the data, not just the words.”
Meanwhile, Singapore remains a testing ground for extremes. Russell, who does wear the vest, praised it as “a lifesaver” after a long session. His Mercedes colleague Hamilton, ironically, chose to take it off during the race. The grid is divided, just like public opinion. As the sun sets over Marina Bay, there is hope for a solution: better designs, fair application and a sport that can handle the heat without losing the passion. But for now it’s boiling over – literally and figuratively. Formula 1, where cooling is crucial, is in danger of melting under its own rules.
